“That wasn’t what I was worried about. I was thinking about how strange people are.”
“They are, undeniably. But in what sense, exactly?”
“They need validation to decide whether they like something or not. You said they ordered your jewelry after seeing me wear it. That’s absurd, because your talent is unquestionable.”
“You’re the sweetest friend a girl could ask for, Jazmina. When I’m feeling down, I already know who to call.”
“Since I’m being so kind, return the favor and help me choose not only the outfit I’ll wear to the engagement reception held by one of Rodrick’s distant aunts, but also a full trousseau for after the wedding. As a duke, he needs to formalize our relationship before Scottish society, so he’ll take me to Kindubh to introduce me to distant relatives and the high society there. The only time I went, I overheard two women talking about my accent. I don’t want to embarrass him.”
“That wouldn’t be possible. You’re beautiful. I bet it came from a bunch of bitter women who wished they were in your place. What do you want to do?”
“I need your help choosing outfits worthy of a duchess for formal occasions. He said I’ll have a personal stylist at my disposal. I’ll take her advice too, but I want to keep my personality and not look like a wax museum exhibit. Still, I know I need a makeover. I thought my clothes were fashionable, but apparently they’re not. I feel insecure, especially about attending the engagement announcement reception. As I told you, I own expensive clothes, but not necessarily sensual ones, and I want my fiancé and every sharp-tongued woman there to drool when I walk in.”
“How much are you willing to spend?”
“It doesn’t matter, as long as I look stunning.”
Hours Later
“Peace be upon you, my father.”
“And upon you first, my daughter. Now that we’ve completed the formalities, what do you think you’re doing with your life, Jazmina?”
I swallow hard. “Have you spoken with Kaled?”
I should have waited until Rodrick was with me before calling my father, but my conscience was too heavy to keep postponing the conversation. My father has always been wonderful to me, and I don’t want him to think his blessing isn’t important now that my brother has given his.
Former sheikh or not, I still respect him as my leader.
“Yes, Jazmina, I have. And I will ask you only once, because it is not my place to override our sheikh’s blessing: are you sure about what you’re doing?”
“It’s what I want, Father. It doesn’t mean I don’t love Rheadur or our family; it means I need more to be happy than what I had there.”
“And you believe this young man, Rodrick, will give you what you need?”
“He’s not a boy. He’s a man like my brother. He’s good, protective, and he respects me.”
“I like him. All of your brother’s friends, actually. Men of character, without exception. What I don’t know if I like is the idea of my daughter going so far away. We had plans for you.”
“I know. And none of the candidates included in those plans pleased me.”
“Is that why you became engaged so suddenly?”
“I love what Rodrick and I are together, Father,” I say, dodging the question because he’s partly right. “Once you told me that we must admire our spouse. I admire him. In fact, I adore him, even though I don’t let him know that.”
He smiles. “You were always different, Jazmina, and perhaps that’s why you’re my favorite.”
“Bless me, Father. I want to marry him.”
“You have my blessing, my child. I won’t lie and say I’m pleased, but I won’t do anything to stop you. Just promise me that if this union isn’t what you imagine, you’ll come home.”
“I won’t begin a life together expecting the worst, Father.” I dodge commitment again. “How is Mother?”
“It’s complicated, my daughter. Give her some time to adjust to the idea.”
“We’ll have a civil wedding here before we come to Rheadur.”
“Why the rush?”