Desert Rose

Surprises

“Zahra, I need to step out for a few hours. I have a business appointment,” Amir said, adjusting his cufflinks.

We had just finished breakfast and gotten dressed. I had imagined we’d spend the entire day together — touring his vast palace, maybe even shopping for a new wardrobe. I hadn’t expected him to leave me to my own devices so soon.

“This is legitimate business?” I asked, suspicion creeping into my voice. His previous dealings with my family’s company had landed me in this mess, after all.

“Yes, of course,” he replied smoothly. “Most of my dealings are above board — especially this meeting.”

“Is there any way you can postpone it?” I pressed, pouting slightly.

“Unfortunately, I cannot. It’s very important. But it shouldn’t take long.”

There was a mischievous twinkle in his eyes that made me wonder if he was lying. Perhaps it was simply that we didn’t know each other well enough yet. And this was the man I was supposed to marry, to spend the rest of my life with. Vague, mysterious… but I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Well, I guess I have no choice but to wait until you get back,” I said reluctantly.

“Explore the palace,” he suggested with a smile. “There’s bound to be a room that will interest you.”

“Actually, I was looking forward to checking out your palace today,” I admitted.

He slipped on his suit jacket and pressed a quick kiss to my forehead. “Excellent. I’ll see you soon.”

And then he was gone.

“Well,” I muttered to myself, “I guess this is the best time to see if there are any secret rooms to explore.”

I wandered through the palace, admiring its pristine marble floors, intricately woven rugs, and jewel‑toned silk drapes. It was almost unbelievable that Amir owned all of this.

“I wonder,” I mused aloud, “after we get married, do I get to be the official princess of this palace?”

Princess Zahra had a nice ring to it. That could go on the list of pros for marrying Amir.

Now that I was alone, I had more time to think. Was I really ready to get married? I began to mentally tally the pros and cons.

Freedom versus stability. Adventure versus commitment. The scales refused to tip either way.

I looked up and realized I had wandered into the palace courtyard. A beautiful fountain stood at its center, its crystal‑clear waters untouched by coins or wishes.

“If only I had a pocket full of change,” I sighed, dipping my fingers into the cool water.

A servant appeared, and I quickly stood, worried he might scold me for playing with the fountain.

“Good morning, Sayedda Zahra,” he said with a bow. “The Sheikh has returned from his appointment and requests your presence in the library.”

“This palace has a library?” I asked, surprised. I hadn’t seen anything resembling one during my wanderings.

“Yes,” the servant replied, smiling faintly. “And a tennis court, a private theater, a stable, an indoor heated pool, a rooftop pool, a conservatory, a solarium, a greenhouse garden, a dining hall, two ballrooms, three games rooms, ten staterooms, and thirty‑five royal guestrooms — one of which you are currently occupying.”

“Whoa,” I said, wide‑eyed. “That’s more rooms than they have in Clue. Can you maybe give me a map?”

His smile widened slightly. “Of course, Sayedda Zahra. But first, if you would follow me.”

“For sure. Lead the way,” I replied.

He guided me down a long hallway to two massive golden doors. He opened one for me, bowed, and departed.

I stepped inside and froze. Amir stood there with my Aunt Anjali, both smiling broadly as I entered.

Anjali wasn’t my aunt by blood, but she had been my mother’s best friend, drifting in and out of our lives. She was the fun aunt — the one who let you eat cookies before bed, sing karaoke songs with you into midnight, and tucked money into your pocket when your parents weren’t looking.

“Well, I got you a little surprise,” Amir said with a chuckle.

I beamed at him and turned to Aunty Anjali.

“Zahra!” she shrieked, rushing forward to embrace me. “Look where you ended up! Oh my gosh!”

“Aunty Anjali! I can’t believe you’re here!” I exclaimed, hugging her tightly.

So this was what Amir had been up to this morning. No wonder he had been so mysterious. I felt a pang of guilt for doubting him.

“I thought you could use a friend to make wedding plans with,” Amir explained, flashing that suave grin that had captivated me from the start. “I hope to be wed within two weeks’ time.”

His smile almost distracted me from the alarming words.

“Two weeks? Isn’t that a bit fast?” I asked.

“I originally wanted to marry within the week,” he admitted, “but your aunt convinced me you needed more time. So I extended it to two weeks, so the two of you can plan the wedding of your dreams.”

“I don’t even know if two weeks is enough,” I said, frowning. “Is there a reason you’re rushing? Something you’re not telling me?”

Amir and Anjali exchanged a worried glance.

“Alma and the RCMP tore through your apartment looking for you,” Anjali said gravely. “They were belligerent. I don’t think she’ll stop searching anytime soon.”

“I have it on good authority,” Amir added, “that your Aunt Alma is pushing extradition papers through the courts to locate you. Especially since Elias has been held for questioning. She's getting desperate.”

“Elias is being held? Oh no, I never wanted that for him…” Despite his role in the blackmail, on some level I knew it was his mom that was pressuring him.

“If only he was as smart as you and thought about getting married to me,” Amir chuckled. “Saudi Arabia has no extradition treaty with Canada.”

“Well, that’s comforting for me,” I muttered. “But about Elias? I don’t feel good about him rotting in jail…”

“I imagine that your Aunt Alma will do something about it.” Amir continued. “I don't think she'd allow her golden child to stay there. The fact that she’s expediting the paperwork means she’ll push the RCMP to expand their search on you.”

“What? Are you serious? Why doesn’t that botox witch ever give up?” I snapped.

“I think she has a steady supply of unicorn blood,” Amir said dryly. “So you see, we must make haste. Once you’re my wife, you’ll be untouchable. If Canada attempted to extradite the Sheikh’s wife, it would cause an international incident. Alma wouldn’t have the clout to pull that off.”

I laughed despite myself. “Amir, can I just say how much sexier I find you now for using that Harry Potter reference?”

“I always like hearing how sexy I am,” he replied, giving me a smoldering look.

I bit my lip, and his eyes darkened with desire.

“You two are nauseating,” Anjali groaned. “Just get a room already!”

“We’ll get one later,” I teased, turning back to her. “Because it looks like you and I have a wedding to plan!”

And in that moment, one thought crystallized in my mind: marrying Amir would be the ultimate f**k you to Aunt Alma.