‘I’m not going to change my mind, Zach.’
‘It’s your birthright.’
‘If you’re feeling guilty about taking something from me then don’t. I don’t want anything to do with Bakaan.’
‘Nadir, I know you’re still angry about the past but—’
Nadir made a motion with his hand that cut his brother off. ‘Goodnight, Zach.’
Zachim scowled. ‘All right, Nadir, You win this round.’
‘Hallelujah.’ Nadir’s voice held no enthusiasm and Imogen wondered what it was Nadir was still angry about and what exactly Zach was taking from him.
‘I have to fly to the mountains early tomorrow,’ Zachim said as he turned to go. ‘But I’ll be back by noon.’
‘I’ll be waiting.’
Zachim gave her a weary smile. ‘Lovely to meet you, Imogen. I’m not sure if I should congratulate you on your impending marriage to my brother or offer commiserations.’ His smile held a touch of irony. ‘But I definitely look forward to getting to know you and to meeting my niece over lunch tomorrow.’
Imogen smiled warmly. As handsome and dashing as he was, this brother didn’t tie her insides up in knots like Nadir did. ‘I look forward to it.’
Zach looked back at Nadir as if he wanted to say more but Nadir gave him a faint smile. ‘Give it up, Zach. You’re perfect for the role and you know it. And stop flirting with my fiancé.’
‘Nadir!’
His name left her lips in an appalled reprimand but Zach just laughed heartily.
‘You might not like being back in Bakaan, brother, but I like you being here’
* * *
Nadir watched his brother give him a mocking salute and stride out of the room and knew that he was doing the right thing in giving Zach the leadership role. They had different mothers and therefore vastly different experiences of their father and their homeland. And it wasn’t just anger or resentment at the past that stopped Nadir wanting to be the next King; it was also the painful memories that haunted him every time he was here. It was the sense of guilt his brother would never understand because Nadir had never told him of the cowardly role he’d played in his mother and sister’s deaths. The feelings of shame and ineptitude. A feeling of emptiness.
If he’d thought the people of Bakaan really needed him, if he thought he could add some value Zach couldn’t as leader then he might do it. But the fact was Zach was a capable military leader and was perfect for the job.
‘I apologise if I ruined your conversation with your brother. It wasn’t my intention.’
He eyed Imogen still standing in the middle of the room and picked up his Scotch, hoping it would distract him from his bleak thoughts. He knew a way she could distract him as well but he didn’t think she’d be as biddable as the Scotch. Unfortunately. ‘You didn’t; he was leaving anyway.’
She chewed the inside of her lower lip and he couldn’t take his eyes off the little movement.
‘Are you okay?’
Her soft question made him gulp a mouthful of the fiery liquid and he relished the burn of it down his throat. No, he wasn’t okay. ‘Concerned for my welfare, habibi? I’m touched.’