“Since Jazmina doesn’t want a party, I was thinking of holding the ceremony at my castle in Kindubh.”
“Yes, we can do that,” my friend says, smiling enthusiastically. “And if you want, I can fly to you so we can go together to the same designer who made my dress in Paris.”
We talk for a few more minutes, even after Kaled and Rodrick excuse themselves and leave.
I know Adeela wanted to speak to me alone because she’s worried.
“You don’t look excited,” she says.
“I feel like I forced him.”
“I can’t believe what I’m hearing.”
“Why not?”
“Have you really looked at the man you’re going to marry?”
“Unfortunately, yes. He’s devastatingly handsome.”
“That’s not what I mean, you idiot. Do you honestly think Rodrick or Kaled would marry against their will? If he accepted your proposal, it’s because he wanted you too.”
“He needed to get married, that’s a fact, but I’m not stupid. There’s a strong physical attraction between us.”
“Since when? Did he try to cross a line with you?”
“No. He has a filthy mouth and made it very clear what he wants from me after the wedding,” I say, blushing, “but before today, we’d only exchanged a few kisses.”
“What? Did something happen today?”
“I can’t believe you’re asking me that! Do you think I forgot that before marrying my brother, you were locked in Vicenzzo’s yacht cabin with him? Don’t start throwing stones when your roof is made of glass. Besides, nothing happened. Just kisses and words . . .promises, I’d say.”
“Those are the best kind,” she says dreamily, and despite all the chaos of the day, I laugh out loud.
“As for what you asked, I can only speak for myself. I think I’ve been attracted to him since the first time I saw him in person. The moment we’re in the same space, it’s like my body goes crazy.”
“I know exactly how that feels. Any chance love might enter the equation?”
I decide not to say anything about the inevitable divorce in the future. My friend would worry, and there’s no reason to add more tension to today. If Kaled knew what I proposed to his friend—my future freedom in exchange for his ducal title—he’d lose his mind.
As if echoing my thoughts, she says, “I thought Kaled was going to have a heart attack when his advisor delivered the engagement news. I swear, he roared. And now the news has spread through Rheadur like wildfire. It's all anyone is talking about.”
“Tomorrow I’ll call my parents, and everything will be fine. Thank you for supporting me unconditionally, my friend.”
“I’m only not more worried because it’s Rodrick, but I truly don’t know how it’s possible to reconcile a relationship with someone from such a different culture.”
“You managed. Kaled is much more Western now. Or at least he was, until he became sheikh.”
“Maybe you’re right. I don’t want to ruin your moment, Jazmina. I just want to be sure you’ll be happy.”
“Who in life ever has that kind of guarantee, my friend? If you know where they sell that certificate, let me know. I need one urgently.”
She hangs up because Tajj has woken up and wants her attention, but I remain seated in front of my laptop, staring at the screen without really seeing anything. Lost in my thoughts.
Rodrick left to give me privacy with my friend.
I get up and walk to a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the London night, trying to think about the future.
Despite the crooked path that brought me here, I’m not afraid. In the end, when everything is over, I won’t have to return to Rheadur.