cuff links and tie. Zana took extra care to shave and comb his hair. Maybe it was trivial, but he chose the American style of clothing intentionally. Zana wouldn’t bend backward for Sajid Taheri and pretend he was someone else. Stomach empty except for the coffee he’d gulped down, he climbed into the back seat of his Mercedes, and the driver took off.
Two minutes before nine, Zana entered the double door to Taheri’s palace. He was ushered into a smoking room, where Sajid sat with a cup of coffee in his hand. The hookah stood ready on the table, a lump of hot coal burning in a metal bowl next to it.
“What have you come to say to me, Zana?” Oh, the conceited smirk. One of these days, Zana would lose his cool and send the man to hell.
Yet with Navid’s nervous smile on his mind, Zana felt it was surprisingly easy to say the fateful words. He remained standing in the middle of the room, looked the old patriarch dead in the eye, and stated loudly, “I am claiming Navid as mine.”
Sajid tilted his head to the side and slowly shifted in his seat. “I promised to honor the claim of a worthy nobleman. Do you think you’re worthy?” Sajid was indeed a petty bastard, wasn’t he? The sooner I take Navid away from here, the better.
“Yes, I am. I have the means to secure Navid the comfort he’s used to. I’m a man of faith, know how to treat my husband, and will raise any children of mine in fear of God. You know me well, Your Excellency.” He bowed his head to soften the reminder.
Sajid put his coffee cup on the small ornate side table and stood. He smoothed his long robe down and offered Zana his hand.
“I promise to honor your claim, Zana Massoud. In front of God, I say”—he covered Zana’s hand with his left—“Navid, the son of Sajid, is now yours.”
Zana bowed again.
“Thank you, Your Excellency. You’re giving me the greatest gift I’ll ever receive.”
Sajid patted his hand and let go.
“You’re welcome to join us for dinner tonight. Then we’ll talk about the wedding preparations. I said you would hold him on the night of his eighteenth birthday, and I’ll keep my word.”
“I wish to talk to Navid now.”
“No. I’ll tell him. You can go.” Sajid raised his eyebrows. “Celebrate and enjoy the last of your freedom, Zana. I’ll see you tonight.”
Zana was dismissed. Afraid he wouldn’t be able to keep a neutral expression, he bowed and left.
On the way to his car, he squeezed his eyes shut and fisted his hands. He cringed when he imagined in what way His Excellency would likely deliver the news of the upcoming nuptials to his youngest son.
Zana had to prepare himself. He’d need all the patience he could gather. The engagement would last only two months, but he suspected he wouldn’t be allowed to be alone with Navid during the entire time.
You will spend the rest of your life with him.
Two more months.
2
Navid
Rose petals and jasmine buds floated on the water. Navid dipped his foot in it. It had gone lukewarm, but he appreciated the temperature. The day had been terribly hot. Slowly, he stepped into the large tub and sat down. One blood-red petal caught on his skin, tickling, and he flicked it away.
He’d cleaned himself as instructed. Now he felt strange inside, as if he needed to go to the bathroom, even though he knew he was empty. He’d barely eaten anything for the past forty-eight hours, and he was tired. He’d slept poorly the night before, and today had been the longest day of his life.
He squirmed and tried to relax his muscles. No, he didn’t need to go to the toilet. He was just…oversensitive? His stomach ached a little, but he was almost used to it now. He’d suffered from nervous stomachaches for weeks. Had he lost weight? He ran his hand down his chest. He did look skinny. Was he desirable?
It had been more than half an hour since his alpha father had told him he should say good-bye to the wedding guests and retreat to the bedroom. Zana must have seen him leave, but Navid didn’t dare to meet his groom’s gaze. Not when everybody knew.
So strange. It was supposed to be the most intimate thing that nobody ever talked about. Yet everyone in the room knew that Navid was leaving to prepare for the wedding night. They knew he