The Sheikh's Forbidden Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 1) (8 page)

"I would be fascinated to see the caves," Chloe admitted. "I've seen pictures of them. They would be wonderful locations."

King Kamal laid his fork down noisily on his plate. The sound of metal on china cut through the soft sound of the wind shifting the leaves of the trees in the garden.

"I wasn't aware that permission to view the caves had been granted to your production company, Miss Stirling," he said firmly.

Chloe paused a moment and then glanced at Zayed. "Well...I wasn't sure myself. But, if Zayed thinks it would be possible, then I'd be more than happy to visit the caves."

"It is not a decision for Zayed to make, Miss Stirling," Kamal said sternly.

Chloe saw Kamal fix Zayed with a reproving look.

"But, father. We agreed that there would be no limitations to where Chloe could travel. If she wants to see the caves, then I think she should see them."

Kamal looked like he was about to make a definitive statement. Before he had a chance to do so, Queen Beatrice interrupted him. "How do you like our modest little kingdom, Chloe?" Beatrice asked with a patient smile.

Chloe saw Kamal's shoulders stiffen, but he immediately acceded to his wife's choice of subject matter for breakfast conversation.

"It's not so modest, Beatrice. The city is wonderful. You must all be so proud of what has been achieved here in the last few decades."

Beatrice nodded. "We are very proud of the changes we've made. And our people have benefitted very much from the improvements. It hasn't been easy, though. Not everyone has approved of all the changes." Beatrice looked at Kamal and smiled. "Isn't that right, my dear husband?"

Kamal glanced at his wife and then lowered his gaze to his breakfast plate, his brows furrowing.

"But then, we have been blessed with wonderful children," Beatrice said glancing down the length of the table. Aliyah rolled her eyes. Raz and Tariq looked embarrassed. Zayed just smiled good-naturedly, as if he'd heard all of this many times before.

"I would agree," Zayed replied with a grin. "You and father couldn't have expected better children than us," he said. "Isn't that right, my dear brothers and sister?"

Zayed leaned on his elbows and waited for a reply from his siblings, but there was none forthcoming. All three of them kept their heads down, suddenly finding their breakfasts more interesting than the conversation.

Chloe smiled. There was a wonderful family atmosphere at the table. She could sense that this was a family completely at ease with itself, even if there were times when the King didn't exactly get his way in everything.

"So, tell us about yourself, Chloe," Beatrice said.
 

"There's not much to tell. I grew up in America. Went to college. Ended up working in Hollywood as a locations manager for the movie industry. That's about it."

"Really? Nothing more. What about your family. Do you have brothers or sisters?"

"No. I'm an only child."

Chloe saw Kamal's gaze lift. He peered at her as if examining her, in the same way, he had done the previous night at the fountain.

Beatrice lifted some grapefruit on a spoon to her mouth. After a moment, she continued her probing questions. "And your parents?"

"My Mom and Dad are separated."

Beatrice frowned. "How very unfortunate. But, they both must be so proud of the career you have made for yourself."

"They are. Guess it must seem glamorous to them. It kind of isn't really. Lots of travel. And when you're involved in the actual production it gets kinda hectic. But I like it."

"You must be very good at your job," Beatrice said.

Chloe felt a rush of heat to her cheeks. "I suppose so. I do my best. That's what my Mom always taught me to do. Just do my best in everything."

Chloe lifted a fig and bit into it, eager for a respite from the questioning. She was suddenly aware that everyone at the table was staring at her, and she wasn't sure she liked it.

"What about you, Beatrice. I believe I can hear an English accent?" Chloe asked.

Beatrice smiled. "Your ears aren't deceiving you, Chloe. I'm originally from England."

Kamal looked at Beatrice and for a moment Chloe saw hesitation in his eyes. Beatrice continued. "I came to this kingdom a very long time ago and met Kamal." She laid a hand across Kamal's arm, and the King looked even more embarrassed than before. "One thing led to another and before I knew it I had become a Queen and mother to these lovely children you see here."

"That's so romantic," Chloe gushed in spite of herself.

Kamal looked really embarrassed now, Chloe thought. Perhaps it would be best if she tempered her enthusiasm about Queen Beatrice's story.

"I never stop telling myself how lucky I have been," Beatrice said looking around the table. "A wonderful husband and beautiful children. And in a paradise like this," she concluded with a sweeping gesture of her hand. "Truly I have been blessed. And now, all I want is that all my children would find the same happiness with someone they love."

At that, all four children grunted in unison.
 

"Mother!" Aliya exclaimed. "How many times have we asked you not to bring that subject up when we have guests?"

Beatrice smiled patiently at her daughter. "Surely you're not embarrassed by that, Aliyah. I only want what is best for you all. And there is nothing more important to me than a husband for you and wives for Raz, Tariq, and Zayed. It's the most natural thing in the world. Wouldn't you agree, Chloe?"

Chloe's spoon froze at her open mouth. Her eyes fixed upon Beatrice's expectant gaze. "I...uh...suppose so, Beatrice."

Chloe looked at Zayed. There was a long, very awkward silence at the table. Then, she heard Zayed clear his throat.

"So...We were planning to leave immediately after breakfast," he said quickly.

"You and Chloe?" Beatrice asked.
 

Zayed nodded.

"Alone?" Beatrice continued.

Zayed looked at Chloe. "If she's happy with that," he said.

Chloe nodded quickly. "That sounds fine to me," she replied, eager to fill the awkward silence with anything she could.

Kamal put his coffee cup down on the saucer and gazed down the table at Zayed. "Raz said to me earlier that he had some business to conduct out at the encampment. Isn't that right, Raz?"

Chloe looked at Raz and saw a puzzled expression on his face. After a brief pause at his father's stern features Raz nodded quickly. "Oh, yes. I forgot."

Raz turned to Zayed. "I need to see about those things we talked about."

Zayed's brows furrowed. "What things?"

Raz stiffened. "You know. Those things we discussed last night."

Zayed frowned. "I don't remember..."

"The point is, Raz will be accompanying you and Miss Stirling out to the caves," King Kamal said rapidly.

Chloe saw Beatrice give Kamal a sudden look, and it didn't appear as if she was pleased with Kamal's interference in Zayed and Chloe traveling to the caves alone. But, the words had been said and it was too late to change anything.

Chloe looked at Zayed and saw him give her a wry smile. There was understanding in his eyes as he nodded, resigned to the fact that his father still had the last word in most things.

Chloe looked at Kamal and saw that even he was looking embarrassed, but she guessed he wasn't about to disagree with his own father.

"That sounds wonderful," Chloe said quickly. All eyes shifted on to her. "I'd love to get a chance to know Raz."

Raz smiled and looked genuinely surprised.

Beatrice sighed and went back to her breakfast. "Well, that's that then. It looks like your first outing has been arranged, Chloe. I hope you enjoy yourself and find out something useful."

"That reminds me," Chloe said. She stood up. "I need to call Andrew. I need to tell him what I'll be doing and find out a few things from him. It's been lovely having breakfast with you all."

And with barely a look at any of the family members, Chloe left, asking herself how she was going to survive the coming day in the company of Zayed while being chaperoned by his own brother.
 

Because, if there was one thing she had learned at the breakfast table, it was that Zayed's father did not approve of Chloe being alone with Zayed.

CHAPTER EIGHT

"What are you thinking about, Raz?" Zayed demanded. An hour had passed since Chloe had left the table. Everyone else had finished eating and made their way back into the palace, leaving Zayed and Raz alone on the terrace.

Raz turned to Zayed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, why did you agree to father's request that you chaperone Chloe and me?" Zayed asked.

Raz frowned. "I didn't agree to any such thing."

Zayed huffed. "It sure looks like it."

"Father asked me while we were coming to breakfast if I wouldn't mind going with you and Chloe today," Raz said.

"And you didn't think to ask him why?"

Raz shrugged. "No."

Zayed sighed angrily.

"Why is this so important to you, Zayed?"

Zayed narrowed his eyes at Raz. "You know why, Raz. I told you before about Chloe and me."

"But that's all in the past, Zayed. Father said so."

Zayed sighed. "And you just accept father's word on everything. Especially in our choices of women."

Raz frowned. "Father has his own opinions about the women he finds appropriate for us. You heard how mother spoke at the table."

"The difference is, our mother seems to respect our own choices, Raz."

"She just wants us to be happy," Raz said. "Are you saying father isn't thinking of our happiness when it comes to marriage."

"Who's talking about marriage?" Zayed asked.

Raz paused and examined Zayed's features. "It sounds like you still have something for Chloe," Raz said.

Zayed was surprised at the bluntness of Raz's statement. And the truth was, his brother was right. He'd hit the nail on the head. The irritation and frustration Zayed was displaying was because he still held a flame for Chloe Stirling. A hot, burning flame that threatened himself and Chloe.

And, the trip to the caves had seemed like the perfect opportunity for Zayed to persuade Chloe that he still wanted her, still needed her. Before it was too late. And Zayed knew that soon it would be too late, especially if his father had his way.

Zayed ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "Look, Raz. I understand that father asked you to come with Chloe and me. And, that there isn't much you can do about that. You've given your word, and in our family that's just about as serious as it gets."

Raz placed a hand on Zayed's arm. "I'm sorry if I'm going to spoil your plans," he said with a reassuring smile.

Zayed squinted at Raz. "What plans?"

Raz's brows rose. "Your plans with Chloe," he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Zayed frowned. "You make it sound...wrong."

"I know you are a gentleman. I haven't forgotten the mess you were in when father called you back from America," Raz said.

"Thanks for reminding me," Zayed said with a shake of his head.

Raz frowned. "You know what I mean. I know you still have feelings for Chloe. I could see it at the breakfast table."

"Was it that obvious?"

Raz nodded. "It was kind of plain for everyone to see."

Zayed sighed heavily. "Then father knows."

Raz paused as if weighing his next words carefully. "But, what about her?"

"Who?"

Raz glanced around, ensuring that no-one was eavesdropping. "You know who I'm talking about. Hasn't father spoken to you about her."

Zayed groaned. "I was hoping you weren't going to mention her. He laid a heavy hand on Raz's shoulder. You must promise me you won't mention her to Chloe. Not yet, anyway. Until I've had a chance to explain things to Chloe."

Raz shook his head. "I won't, Zayed."

Zayed squeezed Raz's shoulder so hard that he saw his brother flinch slightly. "No, really. Raz. This is my last chance with Chloe. She doesn't know what my father is planning. And she mustn't know."

"What if father tells her himself?" Raz asked.

"He won't. He can't stand to be in Chloe's presence, and I'm going to make sure she's not around for him to get a chance to meddle. But, you know how important this is to me, Raz. Chloe means everything to me. Everything."

Zayed saw Raz's eyes widen at his brother's sudden expression of emotion. Then Raz nodded, agreement and determination in his eyes. "I understand, Zayed. You can trust me."

Zayed smiled at Raz. "Thank you, brother. I'll do the same for you someday. I promise."

Raz peered into Zayed's eyes. "I won't be getting married anytime soon. You know that, Zayed," Raz said firmly.

Zayed smiled. "It comes to the best of us, Raz. There is someone out there for you. It's destiny."

Raz's face turned a shade paler. Zayed playfully punched his brother's shoulder and laughed.

Raz smiled at Zayed, rubbing his shoulder. "That may be the case, Zayed. But first we need to make sure that if you and Chloe are to have a future together, we must do everything to make sure that happens."

Zayed smiled back at Raz. "Thanks, brother. If you ever need me to help you find a wife, then just say the word. I will do anything to help."

Raz shook his head and grunted. "I have to get ready for the journey to the oasis." He grinned mischievously at Zayed. "If I have to keep my word to my father, then I at least have to go that far with you both. Isn't that true?"

Zayed nodded and laughed. "Our father still doesn't know just how resourceful his sons can be when their backs are against the wall, does he?"

"He taught us well, Zayed. Probably too well," Raz said with a laugh.

Raz turned and left Zayed alone on the terrace. Zayed gazed up at the foliage of the trees, watching it shimmer in the early morning breeze. The sun was already high enough in the sky that it glinted through the canopy of leaves. It was going to be a beautiful day. Zayed laughed out loud. That was nonsense. It was going to be a glorious day. He was about to spend the entire day with the woman he loved, and wasn't that something for a man to celebrate?