The grand desert feast stretched across the palace courtyard under a sky full of stars. Torches flickered, music played, and the air smelled of roasted lamb and sweet incense. Maryam sat at a side table in a deep red silk dress that hugged her breasts and hips. She kept her eyes down, but she could feel Khalifa watching her from the high table.
The Sultan looked powerful in his black and gold robes, amber eyes burning every time they landed on her. The rival sheikh sat nearby, still stealing glances at Maryam, but Khalifa’s stare kept him quiet.
Near the end of the feast, Khalifa stood. The crowd fell silent.
“Maryam will remain in the palace as my chief translator for the ancient scrolls,” he announced calmly. “Her work is valuable to the kingdom.”
People clapped politely, but everyon
