‘But why would they think that?’
His face turned grim and Imogen felt worry spike inside her. ‘A glitch.’
‘A glitch?’
‘Nobody is King until the coronation but in the meantime the country needs someone to lead it. I am acting head of state until Zachim returns.’
‘So, it’s true that your father died recently.’
He shoved his hands into the pockets of his robe. ‘It’s true.’
Imogen didn’t know what to say in the face of his implacable regard. ‘I’m sorry for your loss.’
‘Don’t be.’ He drew a weary hand across his jaw. ‘The whole purpose of my return to Bakaan was not to take over the throne but to cede it to Zachim.’
‘Oh.’ Didn’t he want to be King? And if not, why not? ‘I suppose, given that women aren’t allowed multiple husbands in Bakaan, your sister isn’t allowed to take over the throne instead.’
‘My sister?’ A muscle flickered in his jaw. Once. Twice. ‘Who told you about my sister?’
Not wanting to get the young servant into trouble, Imogen hesitated. ‘Tasnim. But don’t blame her. I pushed for the information.’
‘Then you didn’t push hard enough.’ His expression made her feel chilled. ‘My sister is no longer alive either.’
‘Oh, God, I’m so sorry.’ Imogen felt stricken as she saw a mask of pain briefly cross his face. ‘Did she die with your father?’
‘No.’ Nadir expelled a harsh breath, his emotions hidden behind the screen of his impossibly long eyelashes. ‘But you are right. She would not have been allowed to be a sheikha.’ His lashes raised and she could see that his emotions were now firmly under control. ‘Now, since Zachim has disappeared for the moment, I must attend a state dinner tonight and I need you to accompany me.’
‘But what about our return to London?’
‘It has been delayed.’
‘It can’t be delayed. I have a job I need to get back to and we’re really short-staffed at the café.’
Nadir gave her a dry look. ‘You will no longer need that job, Imogen, so you might as well quit.’
Imogen shoved her hands onto her hips. ‘I will not quit.’
Nadir let out a long sigh. ‘I hope to Allah that not every conversation we have is going to feel like I’m pulling out hen’s teeth. If you go into your dressing room you will find an evening gown for the dinner and Tasnim will help you prepare. If you need anything else—’
‘Nadir, every conversation feels like a struggle because you won’t listen. And I’m not going anywhere with you tonight when nothing has been resolved between us.’
‘Of course it has. We resolved everything last night.’
As far as Imogen was concerned, they had resolved nothing last night. ‘When?’
‘When we talked.’
She shook her head, frustrated that he could be so obtuse. ‘You might have resolved something last night but I didn’t.’