“We don’t want to wait, but afterward I want you to give us your blessing in a small ceremony with only close family.”
“Kaled told me he’ll attend your wedding. He’ll represent me. The doctor doesn’t want me traveling to high altitudes anymore.”
“That’s fine, Father. The sheikh will represent our country, and afterward we’ll all celebrate together there at home.”
“It’s not what I dreamed for you—which was a wedding lasting four days, as is customary in our country. You’re a princess and deserve much more.”
“And Rodrick is a duke, and yet he agreed to my request for a simple wedding. I don’t care about the ceremony. I care about hearing you say you’re not disappointed in me.”
“I’m not, Jazmina. I don’t understand your reasons, and I hope you’re making the right choice. My only comfort is knowing that your brother would never agree to this if he weren’t convinced you’d be well taken care of. I only hope it doesn’t become a trend for my daughters to marry foreigners, or I’ll be left alone in Rheadur.”
I smile at the exaggeration. He has always been jealous of his daughters.
“I love and respect you, Father. You will always be my sheikh.”
Chapter 36
“It was very kind of you to come pick me up, Athol.”
I was surprised by a message from Rodrick saying that his former guardian—though I have no idea why he still calls him that; friend or even foster father would be more accurate, since, as I’ve recently learned, he has been Rodrick’s legal guardian since he was eleven—would accompany me on the way to his office.
“It’s a pleasure, Jazmina.”
“Shall we go?”
We’re in the lobby of my building, on our way to formalize the marriage contract. In truth, it’s a prenuptial agreement, as Kaled explained to me.
When we arrive, I’ll meet not only my fiancé but also three attorneys appointed by my brother.
I tried to argue, but both he and Rodrick were adamant that I should have independent legal counsel, not lawyers from the same firm as my fiancé.
Athol opens the door for me to get into the back seat of the limousine. I see my bodyguards positioning themselves to follow us in other cars.
Once we’re settled and buckled in, I confess, “This whole prenuptial agreement thing makes me uncomfortable.”
“Isn’t it done this way in your country?”
“Probably, but it makes everything feel so mechanical . . .and sad, too. Like a forecast of the end.”
“And isn’t that what you’re seeking, miss? An ending? Your freedom?”
I look out the window, awkward. “I like the duke. More and more.”
“That’s a good start for a marriage.”
“Is it? I’m not sure. I don’t really know him that well. He’s had . . .” I hesitate. “May I speak frankly? My brother would kill me if he heard me say this, but I think you know Rodrick better than anyone.”
“Speak freely, lass.”
“He’s had many female companions in the past. After we’re married, even if there’s a divorce someday, he’ll keep the title of duke. He won’t need me anymore. He could go back to enjoying as many women as he wants around the world.”
“Don’t you remember that he had already given up on the title when he proposed to you? Do you have any idea how many women volunteered to become the new Duchess of Kindubh? One hundred and sixty-eight. I didn’t even know there were that many unmarried women in Scottish high society.”
“And out of all those, only those two remained?”
“Yes. Because Rodrick made many demands. One of them was not seeing his future wife beyond what was strictly necessary. And even when they agreed—eagerly—he would always find another reason to eliminate them. Just like what happened with Davina and Elizabeth.”
“You said he didn’t want to see his future wife more than necessary, but we’ll be living together.”