The Prince’s Forbidden Lover(4)

“Am not,” a laughing voice said from behind her.

Shantra spun around and screamed when she found Keith and Joline smiling and staring back at her.

“You’re here!” she screeched and threw her arms around both of them. “Oh my goodness, I can’t believe you’re here! You’re really here! I’m so excited! I have so much planned over the next few days, so much to show you!”

Joline laughed and pulled back as she looked at her best friend in one of her latest designs. As usual, Shantra looked impossibly lovely. Joline wished she could wear the outfits with the same level of confidence that Shantra was able to pull off. The clothes would be flying off the racks.

Holding Shantra’s arms out wide, Joline looked at her rose-colored dress with its elaborate twists and tucks. “You look amazing!” she gushed and hugged Shantra again.

While Keith seconded the praise, Joline stepped back and looked around at the foyer of the majestic palace. The ceilings, walls and floors were absolutely beautiful, filled with color and glorious art made out of marble, stone and tiles. Everything about this entrance screamed out power and purpose. It was more than a little intimidating!

“I can’t believe we’re here either!” Joline gasped as she looked up at the ornate ceiling. “Good grief, this place is beautiful!”

Keith was looking around as well. “I’m with you, sister!” he laughed. “You really do live in a palace, my friend!”

Shantra laughed with them, so excited to see her friends. “I know we have tons of stuff to discuss, so let’s get the introductions over with, okay? Then we can…” she started to say something but snapped her lips closed. “We can catch up once you’ve met my brothers and sister.”

She took both of their hands. “I’ve warned all three of my brothers to be good, but it normally isn’t in their nature. They’re beasts and I can’t guarantee anything.” She looked at Joline and almost clapped her hands with excitement and hope. Her plan might not work out, but as she looked at Joline, her friend’s beautiful hazel eyes and soft, brown hair floated around her shoulders like a gentle cloud. She was hopeful that…

Well, she would just let things happen if they happened. If not, no one would be worse off.

The three of them walked down the long hallway, chatting away about their flight, the sights they saw on the cab ride from the airport, the crazy security surrounding the palace and anything else that popped into their heads. Joline and Shantra had been friends since their first day of university. Their heads were almost touching as they chatted away. Keith, the third member of their group, had come later in the friendship but was still an integral member of their team.

“Is he available?” Shantra asked Ramzi’s chief of staff. “He told me to stop by as soon as my friends arrived.” She turned to Joline and Keith. “I spoke to my brothers last night and they all promised me that they would be on their best behavior.”

A deep voice from the doorway challenged her assertion. “No, Shantra. You only wrung a promise from us that we wouldn’t intimidate your friends. Nothing about ‘best behavior’ was mentioned.”

Shantra spun around and smiled up at Ramzi as he walked out of his office. “They’re here!” she announced and motioned excitedly at her friends.

“So I can see,” her oldest brother commented, looking behind her. His eyes widened when he took in the man and woman that were standing close behind Shantra. “Are these…?”

Shantra moved back a step. “Ramzi, this is Joline Caldwell and Keith Vargas. Jo, Keith, this is Ramzi, and I guess you should call him Your Highness or something, but I simply call him a pain in the neck.”

Joline stepped forward and curtsied. “It is an honor, Your Highness,” she intoned. Joline had studied the appropriate etiquette to use when being introduced to royalty and she was eager to put her new knowledge to work. She didn’t want Shantra’s brothers, especially the oldest, to dislike her or Keith for any reason. Her friendship with Shantra was too important. They’d been friends for so long and she relied on Shantra’s advice about…well, just about everything!

Keith was right behind her with a formal bow. “Shantra has told us wonderful things about you.”

Ramzi shook both of their hands, putting both of them instantly at ease. “Come into my office. I’ll order coffee and refreshments. I’m sure you’re tired after the long flight.”

“Oh, that’s okay,” Shantra said. “I’ve already asked the kitchen to send refreshments to our…”