“Our government?” he repeated, eyes crinkling. “Politics intrigue you?”
No, but you intrigue me. You make me wonder about everything I do not yet know. Instead she crossed her legs and tried to calm herself. “Did you inherit your power?”
“Yes.”
“Because you were first born, of the first wife?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have brothers and sisters?”
“Yes. Many.”
Interesting. “Are any of them in a government position?”
“There are three that have inherited significant tribal power and wealth, but so far these half brothers prefer to avoid work and responsibility.”
“They are the sons of your father’s second wife?”
“She had three boys in quick succession. They are handsome, popular, and quite headstrong.”
“You like them?”
“I love them.” He hesitated, smiling wryly. “And I imagine I will like them even better once they begin to grow up.”
She grimaced. “It’s easy to be self-indulgent when you’re given everything. I grew up in a wealthy family, surrounded by peers from equally wealthy families. It’s not the real world. As difficult as it’s been this past year, I’m glad to be living in the real world. I know now who my true friends are. I know what matters.”
“I hope one day my brothers discover what’s true, and real.”
“Perhaps they need an incentive to mature. Perhaps it’s too easy for them...being young, handsome, and wealthy.”
“They do have it too easy. Nothing is worse than a spoiled, billionaire prince.”
“Were you ever like that? A spoiled, billionaire prince?”
“It was different for me. I’ve always known I would be king. And I’ve always been conscious that I was the son from the bad first wife, the American wife. I’ve tried hard to do the right thing, to avoid additional scrutiny and criticism.”
She studied him, still warm, still so fascinated by this man and how he made her feel things and want things. But she had to be careful. She needed to remain in control. “We don’t hear much about Saidia in the news in the US.”
“That’s because we try to stay out of the news, and we are a stable country. Historically, the Karims have gone to great lengths to ensure our people’s happiness.”
“So people are happy?”
“Yes. We have excellent schools and health care. Girls are actively encouraged to attend school, even pursue higher education. Marriage is forbidden under the age of eighteen, without parental consent.” His dark eyes glowed. “Does that answer all of your questions? Or is there something else you’d like to know?”
The gleam in his eye was dangerous. It made her pulse leap, and her stomach lurch. Just like that, she felt him...near her, around her, as if they were connected. One. Which was ludicrous. She barely knew him and they weren’t touching. He was reclining four or five feet away.