One Desert Night - By Maggie Cox Page 0,66

up a scene from a fairytale.

'Thank you,' Gina and Zahir replied at the same time.

'And I'd just like to say thanks to you, Lizzie, for helping my dad,' added Gina. 'I feel so much happier being away from him knowing that he has someone like you in his life, helping take care of him.'

'You're more than welcome. Your dad's made such a difference in my life, and my son's too, Gina. The truth is I never trusted men very much until I met Jeremy, so us getting along so well has been a lovely revelation to me. He's a real gentleman, your dad is.' Beneath the carefully applied blusher she'd applied to her softly plump cheeks Lizzie blushed even more. 'And if you're ever worried about him, please don't hesitate to call me and have a chat.'

'I will.'

'Did you have that sensational outfit specially made?' the older woman asked, politely changing the subject and gently touching her fingers to the red, bronze and burnt ochre-coloured silk skirt and matching jewel-encrusted fitted jacket that made up Gina's bridal dress.

'I did, yes.'

'Well, it's absolutely gorgeous. You look just like a goddess.'

'Thanks, Lizzie... I don't know about a goddess, but I must admit I feel a little like royalty in this outrageously glamorous ensemble. I've promised my husband I won't let it go to my head!'

'You are allowed to behave like royalty on your wedding day, rohi, because that's what you are. And, knowing you, you will very quickly revert back to the shy, unassuming, but secretly feisty Gina I adore.'

'Would you call me feisty, Dad?'

'You're your mother's daughter, Gina. Charlotte was a dedicated academic, but that doesn't mean to say that she was boring, or didn't have a temper, or didn't like to have her own way from time to time.'

'Oh...'

'That took the wind out of your sails, my princess, didn't it?' Zahir grinned.

Gina made a face at him.

After that, the couple were drawn away by other patiently waiting well-wishers—first and foremost Farida. For their wedding, and at Zahir's carefully worded request, she had eschewed her familiar black dress for a set of midnight-blue regal robes, and with her elfin face and glossy dark hair caught up high behind her head she was the one, in Gina's eyes, who appeared every inch the royal princess.

'Gina—my dear, dear sister.'

The two women hugged affectionately, and when they broke apart, it was Zahir's turn to be embraced.

'I was wrong about the Heart of Courage, my sister.' He smiled fondly. 'And you were right about it being a blessing all along. I swear to you I will never again think of getting rid of it. In future I will listen to the wisdom of the women in my life where such important matters are concerned, rather than riding roughshod over their opinions.'

'If you do that, my brother, then you will indeed be a truly wise ruler!'

'Pardon me...' A slim, dark-haired man with the most intense ebony eyes presented himself.

'Masoud!' Zahir embraced his friend fondly.

When he was set free again, the man turned his gaze on Gina. 'Your love and beauty have transformed my friend His Highness into the happiest of men.' He smiled. 'I would like to thank you for that. There is no man who deserves the joy you bring more.'

'Thank you, Masoud. I know that your friendship means a lot to Zahir and always will.'

Late into the night, when the party was over and the guests had disbanded, Gina and Zahir drank aromatic coffee with Farida, Gina's father and Lizzie in one of the many beautiful salons that abounded in the palace. Together they reflected on the incredibly happy event that had taken place that day.

Snuggled up next to her new husband on a sumptuous couch, pleasantly tired and secretly longing for the moment when they could retire to bed together, Gina reflected on how happy it had made Zahir to be reacquainted in a much more joyful scenario with his friends Amir and Masoud. He was so loyal and devoted to those he cared about that she was certain they all felt blessed to count him not just as their ruler, but as a firm and constant friend, too.

Seated opposite them in the intimate arrangement of seats, her father leant forward from the gold-coloured embossed couch he shared with Lizzie to address Kabuyadir's handsome and impressive ruler. 'Sheikh Kazeem Khan—' he began politely.

Next to Gina, her husband held up his hand. 'Call me Zahir,' he said. 'You are my father-in-law now, and I