‘You have a good marriage now,’ Kedah commented.
‘We have worked hard to achieve that.’ Omar nodded. ‘I had been so caught up in my own ego that I forgot what it must be like for your mother...alone in a new country, with no one to speak of her problems with...’
Except Abdal.
‘When did you realise you loved her?’ Kedah asked—not just because he was curious about his parents’ marriage, but because it was a question from his own heart. Suddenly he could not bear to envisage a future without Felicia. Their conversations, their laughter, their occasional rows...he just could not see himself doing those things with anyone else. And yet she was flying further away from him with each moment that passed.
‘When?’ he asked again, for his father was lost in thought.
Omar was thinking back to the day Rina had confessed what had taken place and his reaction.
‘The moment I realised I could lose her,’ Omar answered. ‘It was then I knew I was in love.’
Perhaps they were not so different after all.
‘Your grandfather was not a fan of your mother. He seemed to think I would do better to take another bride.’
Nothing was said outright, but both knew the rumours were finally being addressed.
Kedah could see how things might have happened. Perhaps he understood his mother more. And yet he realised it was not his forgiveness that his mother needed.
It was the forgiveness of the man he looked to now.
‘Not only did I not want to lose her, Kedah, I was scared for her also.’
Kedah looked at him, and it was then he knew that he was his father’s son.
They had the same fears for a vibrant, impetuous woman.
Kedah had never admired his father more, for it took a strong king to be a loving one too—especially when wronged.
‘How did you resolve things?’ he asked, for he needed his father’s wisdom.
‘I accepted that my time would one day come and I went back to concentrating on my family. All that time I’d spent fruitlessly clashing with my father I had neglected your mother—and you...’
Here was a man who was far stronger than Kedah had given him credit for.
‘You have the same visions I once did,’ Omar said. ‘But I am older now. I need support. And I do not want you to have to wait, as I did, to make changes. That is not good for the people. Your presentation has reminded me of my own fire. Together we could change things. But there is Mohammed and the elders to consider...’
‘You are King.’
‘Yes, but there is your mother...’
And Kedah thought of Felicia’s words. His mother would be okay. After all, she had the King’s love.
‘Together,’ Kedah said, ‘we can protect her.’
So much was said without words.
‘But there is a condition,’ Kedah said to his father. ‘I shall choose my own bride.’
‘Perhaps we could wait until after the Accession Council meets?’ Omar suggested, for he was quite sure who Kedah’s choice would be—which would make for an even more difficult meeting.
But Kedah, now that his decision was made, could no longer wait.
He excused himself from his father and walked into the palace. As he did so he saw Mohammed walking into his office with Fatiq.
‘Mohammed.’ Kedah followed him in. ‘We need to speak.’ He didn’t even look over to Fatiq as he addressed him. ‘Please leave.’
‘You can say what you have to in front of Fatiq,’ Mohammed told him.
‘Very well.’
The timbre of Kedah’s voice was so ominous that Mohammed’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword as his elder brother strode towards him.
‘Know this. It is very hard to dissuade loyal people... If I am forced to I will take the decision to them and I know I will win.’
‘Not if we call for—’
‘I don’t give a damn about some test that was invented ten minutes ago compared with the rich history of our land. I was born to be King, I was raised to be King. And if I have to I shall take it to the people. Tomorrow my father shall offer his full support for his eldest son, and I hope he shall also announce that I have chosen my bride—Felicia.’
There was a hiss of breath from Fatiq at his side, but instead of an angry response Mohammed gave a black smile.
‘The elders would never accept her...’
‘They will have no choice.’ Omar came in then. ‘I will offer my full support.’ He glared at the feuding duo. ‘Your mother is on her way.’
Rina arrived then, with Kumu.
‘Kedah, your father tells me you have exciting news...’
‘I hope to have exciting news.’
‘But Felicia does not understand our ways...the people...’ Kumu, who rarely spoke, did so now.
‘Felicia understands people,’ Kedah said. ‘Full stop.’
‘And our people would adore to see their Crown Prince happy.’ Rina smiled. ‘Just so long as you are married here.’
‘I haven’t asked her yet,’ Kedah said. ‘I think it’s a bit early to be speaking of wedding plans.’
‘It’s never too early,’ Rina said.
‘And I happen to like a good English wedding,’ Omar mused.
And then, just as Kedah was about to roll his eyes and excuse himself, his father took his wife’s hand and spoke on.
‘What is it they say in the English service? Speak now or for ever hold your peace?’
Omar was looking directly at Mohammed as he said it, and there was challenge in his tone.
Never had Kedah admired his father more.
His father.
Kedah no longer needed proof, for Omar stood proud and strong and he maintained his sovereignty.
‘Do you have anything you would like to say, Mohammed?’ Omar enquired.
His son blinked.
‘Come on, Mohammed.’ Kumu pulled at his arm. ‘We should go and check on the children.’
Mohammed stood there. They all watched and waited, but it was Kedah who walked off.
He had rather more important things on his mind than waiting for his brother to speak...
Or for ever hold his peace.
THERE WAS NO thanking God that it was Friday.
Felicia had deposited the sample at midnight and now all she could do was wait.
Kedah had told her to go in to work as usual. The one thing she didn’t have to worry about was money. Felicia had worked hard for many years and commanded an impressive wage. But work was still important to her and, like it or not, Kedah was her boss.
Yes, her boss.
Somehow she had turned into a real PA.
She