The Sheik's Ruby (17 page)

All these thoughts flew out of her head as Shelby stared out the window, awestruck. The city was a blend of old and new. Huge, modern skyscrapers loomed over mosques with prayer towers and market stalls overhung with woven canopies.

Men wearing traditional white
dishdashas
, long shirt-dresses, with their heads wrapped in checkered cloth
keffiyehs,
mingled among people wearing business suits and casual clothes, who appeared as though they belonged in any city in the world. Many women wore head scarves, and Shelby even saw women wearing
burqas
over their entire bodies, their eyes peeking through a crocheted screen. She glanced at Shanayze. “I hope it is not offensive. I have just never understood why women must dress like this.”

“In Khali-dar, women are not forced to wear a
burqa
. Many Salifi Muslims believe a woman’s face is
awrah
,”
Shanayze explained. “
Awrah
means the parts of the body which should not be shown in public. This is an expression of their
hijab
or modest behavior
.
”

“So, some women choose to cover their faces?” Shelby squinted her eyes in confusion. She thought they looked like ghosts.

“Yes. They see it as a symbol of devotion, not oppression. Women in Khali-dar are treated better than in many countries. They are allowed to drive and to have jobs and can even attend a university if they can afford it. The unfortunate thing is there is no women’s university nearby. Sending away daughters for an education is expensive, and the cost is too much for most families.”

“I’m surprised they can’t just go to the same school as the men.”

“While Khali-dar continues to move toward western ways, there are still traditions that remain unchanged. That is one.”

“Oh.” Shelby still felt baffled and turned her gaze back through the window. The city glittered, beautiful and clean with fascinating architecture. Plain buildings were not allowed, it seemed. Stone lattice work covered many of the windows in small, traditional-looking houses. But the tall, modern structures interspersed between them provided a unique contrast.

“We are approaching the palace now.” Shanayze pointed toward the windshield.

The limousine drove toward a giant marble arch forming the entrance to the Sheik’s compound. On top, statues of horses were sculptured in various poses. Inside the arch, between two guard towers, a pair of iron gates swung open. Forbidding stone walls stretched along either side, surrounding the property. As they passed through the gates, Shelby saw armed soldiers standing guard. The sight sent a chill over her skin. The limousine drove down a road lined with palm trees and immaculately trimmed hedges.

“Miss Walker, I would like to remind you about the importance the royal family places on maintaining its image. Please exercise restraint, and respect the customs of our people. Proper etiquette would forbid any type of public display of affection.”

Shelby narrowed her eyes.
Exercise restraint?
Does Shanayze think all Americans are depraved cretins, unable to control themselves?
She bit the inside of her cheek to keep quiet. Possibly because they had been in close proximity for the better part of two days or the fact that she was exhausted, but Shelby was pretty sure she wouldn’t be able to “exercise restraint” over what she said the next time Shanayze hinted she didn’t know how to behave in a civilized manner.

The road widened, revealing the Sheik’s palace. The vehicle stopped in a large curved driveway.

Shelby gasped, unable to believe the sight before her.

The driver opened the limo door, and Shelby stepped out, her neck craning as she took it all in.

Water sprayed in elegant arches from hidden fountains. Peacocks and other exotic birds strolled the lawns. Pillars, topped with large pots overflowing with greenery and flowers, lined a wide walkway the width of a city street which led to an enormous, elegantly arched entrance. Beautiful, hedge-lined gardens filled the grounds.

The view of the palace held Shelby spellbound. The white stone of the building was a canvas displaying balcony railings, carved with intricate geometric designs. The same arch, curved with a point at the top, surrounded all the windows. Shelby could barely see the roof of the palace where three gold domes—the largest in the center—crowned the elegant structure. She stood still, completely dumbfounded. When it came to the size, she had no point of reference. A hospital? Airport? Casino? She had simply never seen any place as imposing.

Captivated by her surroundings, she took a moment to realize Hakim strode down the walkway, dressed in khaki slacks and a light blue tailored shirt. Shelby became painfully aware that she wore an old pair of jeans and a sweater she’d slept in. She couldn’t even imagine how her hair looked. On the plane, she had attempted to pull it back into a ponytail, but she knew the humidity had not done her curls any favors. Her appearance wasn’t helped because she couldn’t stop sweating, either. Shelby waved shyly at Hakim, unsure of how to approach him.

He rushed toward her, relief evident in his face, taking her hand in both of his.

His touch made her skin tingle. Shelby glanced toward Shanayze, who raised her eyebrows in what was quickly becoming one of Shelby’s least favorite expressions, but said nothing.

“Shelby Jo, I am so pleased that you came.” He took a step back and glanced at her leg. “And your ankle has healed.”

Torn between wanting to throw her arms around him and throttling him, but remembering what Shanayze said, Shelby settled on a simple smile.

Hakim maintained his hold on Shelby’s hand and turned his attention to the people around him, speaking in Arabic.

Shelby watched the way they all bowed and scurried off to whatever task he had assigned. The way Hakim spoke softly and still commanded respect from people impressed her. In a moment, only Shanayze remained.

Hakim had obviously not heard the lecture about public affection from Shanayze since he continued to hold Shelby’s hand. His touch was comforting, but she hoped nobody would think less of him for not behaving in accordance with the country’s traditions. They strolled along the patterned bricks of the walkway. She noticed how quiet the palace was. Even this close to the city, the noise was unable to penetrate the walls and foliage. They climbed the wide stairs, stepping through the arched entrance.

Shelby’s mouth dropped. Beneath the large, domed roof, the entrance hall soared at least ten stories high. An elaborate mosaic decorated the inside curve of the ceiling. She craned her neck, trying to see it all. Large pillars and potted palm trees surrounded the room which was easily bigger than her high school gymnasium. A colorful, thick rug stretched across the white marble floor, nearly reaching the pillars. Shelby couldn’t help but wonder how long vacuuming a carpet that size took.

Hakim led her through a pair of pillars to where a grand staircase curved upward. The stairs were made of the same white marble as the floor. On the other side of the entrance hall, an identical staircase mirrored it.

Shanayze had disappeared, giving the pair privacy.

Hakim wrapped his arms around her. With a sigh, he drew her close and kissed the top of her head.

Shelby noticed the dark circles under his eyes. She breathed in his smell and rested her head against his chest. She wondered about all he had dealt with over the last few weeks with his father’s health and terrorists threatening the safety of his people and himself. The simple embrace soothed away some of her worry. But she still felt shy and unsure of how to act
here
, and with
him
.

Taking a step back, he curled a finger under her chin to lift her face. “You have not said a word since your arrival, Shelby. Is everything all right?”

Heat from his touch spread over her skin. “I’m just overwhelmed. I mean, you
live
here?”

Hakim smiled. “I have missed you, Shelby Jo Walker.” He rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “I am so relieved to have you safely in Khali-dar.” He glanced behind her, and without releasing his embrace, said, “I am sure you are tired and anxious to wash up after your flight. Shanayze will show you to your room. I was hoping you would join me for dinner in an hour. I would love to give you a tour of the palace.”

Shelby bid him farewell and followed Shanayze up the massive staircase, marveling at the grandeur of the palace. It was unlike any place she had seen before, and she felt as if she shouldn’t touch anything. The railing was carved with delicate gold-leafed patterns. As Shelby ran her hand over it, she wondered what a childhood would be like, growing up in a place that was more like a museum than a home.

They didn’t stop on the first landing but climbed all the way to the third floor. The staircase ended at a wide hall with a tall ceiling. A number of doors led off of it. Sitting areas complete with couches, elegant tables, and potted plants occupied the space between the doors.

Shanayze opened one of the doors and stood aside to allow Shelby to enter the room.

Arched windows stretched from the floor to the ceiling, taking up an entire wall. A marvelous view of the grounds was revealed between sheer curtains that were pulled back from the windows. Stepping closer, Shelby realized the windows were all sets of sliding doors leading to a private balcony with lounge chairs and an outdoor dining set. She stepped outside. Potted palm trees and lovely plants Shelby didn’t recognize softened the edges of the stone patio. On the table, beautiful flowers spilled over the lip of a large vase.

Walking back through the doors, Shelby paused again, drinking in every detail of the incredible bedroom. This one room was larger than the entire main floor of her parents’ house. She couldn’t believe all of this space was intended for just her. Intricate wood carvings separated the walls into sections. Between them hung various pictures, and one panel contained a large flat-screen TV.

Shelby spent a minute admiring the artwork. One painting depicted a beautiful woman sitting beneath a tree, her head tilting demurely. Her graceful fingers held a guitar-shaped instrument. Shelby guessed she was a queen because of her gold headdress. Another picture which caught her eye showed a lion with his front paws on a tree, reaching toward a bird that wore a necklace. Shelby wondered if the lion was trying to get the necklace or eat the bird.

A sitting area with soft couches and ornate chairs sat on a plush rug near the door to the hall. An alcove held a dark wooden desk.

“Prince Hakim wanted me to check with you before a computer was ordered. Do you have a preference?” Shanayze asked.

“Oh, I have my laptop here.” Shelby opened her bag and set her computer on the desk.

“Of course.” Shanayze rested her gaze on Shelby’s old model laptop with ski resort and University of Colorado stickers on the case. “I will make sure to get a voltage adapter.”

Shelby knew she should feel more grateful for Shanayze seeing to her needs, but the woman’s cold manner made her feel as though she was more of a burden. She got the impression Shanayze did not approve of the situation, “Thanks.”

“You will be set up with an untraceable internet connection. The prince has given instructions that you should have the freedom to keep in contact with your family and friends. However, I would like to remind you to be careful. Do not give out any details of life in the palace which might jeopardize security. Do not mention the prince or his father by name, or discuss threats to the country, or any other political matters.”

The reminder of the danger that had sent her cast a pall over the enchantment she felt at her surroundings. Shelby wasn’t here on a luxury vacation and the realization made the warm, sunny room feel cold. “Got it.” Shelby nodded. She turned away from Shanayze, hoping her expression did not show her apprehension, and continued to walk around the room

Aside from the desk, other tables and chairs and furniture were spread tastefully around, flower arrangements occupied nearly every flat space. The focal point of the room, however, was the magnificent bed. Carved wooden posts rose from each corner and attached with arches, forming a high canopy. Sheer curtains fell from the cross-bars, gathered and tied with golden tasseled rope. The bedding and pillows were made of a crimson and gold brocade pattern, and bordered by a soft fringe. Shelby ran her fingers over the bedspread. She noticed a digital clock on the nightstand next to the bed. The time was nearly three o’clock.

“In here is your bathroom.” Shanayze opened a door. “And through here is the closet. Per Prince Hakim’s instructions, a wardrobe has been ordered.”

Shelby raised an eyebrow. The delight at what Hakim might have chosen for her mixed with unease. She was not used to being spoiled and didn’t like the feeling of not having any control over her situation.

“I believe the prince was unsure if you would know what type of climate you would be dressing for.” Shanayze flipped on the light switch, illuminating the large walk-in closet.

Shelby stepped past her. The closet was big enough to park her car in. The racks were filled with hanging clothes. Shoes, belts, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories filled the shelves and hung from hooks. Touching one of the soft summer dresses, she felt a thrill of excitement at all the beautiful light clothing. She was flattered and grateful Hakim had gone to all of this trouble, but she also felt an emptiness grow in the pit of her stomach.

How long does he think I’ll be here? How could I ever reciprocate something like this? What does he expect?
Her laundry basket sat on a plush bench in the middle of the closet. Behind the clothes, the closet walls were lined with mirrors, making the space appear even bigger. And among all of this opulence, Shelby felt even smaller.

She walked into the bathroom and admired the jetted tub and marble counter with two gold sinks and an elaborately framed mirror stretching across the entire wall. Above her, a window, detailed with delicate ironwork and set with frosted glass, took the place of the ceiling. A soft light shone through it, setting the entire bathroom aglow. When Shelby reentered the bedroom, she saw a young woman standing by Shanayze.