A three day business trip turned into a twenty-four hour business trip

"Thank you, Armand," I replied. "I'll see you later."

"Until later, ma'am."

We split ways at the threshold, and as Armand turned and walked back down the quiet marble corridor, I stepped through the outer doors into Sabika's rooms. As soon as I was inside, a heavy sigh of relief escaped my chest. Being around Khalid took an exhausting amount of energy. The man was simply too much—too demanding, too intense, and far too reckless. I knew that before I left Bahrain in a few days, once I finished settling both of my professional and personal business with King Hamad—I was going to sit down with Khalid to tell him that we are done. We could no longer meet like this.

He wouldn't be thrilled, of course; men like Khalid rarely handled rejection with grace. But let’s be honest—he had two wives and several other women on the side that he screwed to keep him occupied and satisfied. The sex between us was good, certainly, but it wasn't good enough to justify the endless headache he brought into my life.

"Ah, you've returned!" Princess Sabika’s warm voice echoed through the grand sitting room.

She greeted me with a bright, welcoming smile, completely oblivious to the fact that I had just spent the last few hours with her stepson. The less she knows, the better, I thought, offering a warm smile in return. Which also means the less Hamad knows through her. Though, given that every single staff member in this sprawling palace reported directly to the King, I had no illusions. Hamad almost certainly knew anyway.

"Thank you, Sabika," I said, stepping further into the opulent room. "It’s wonderful to be back in your rooms."

"Look what I pulled out of my collection for you while you were away," Sabika said, her enthusiasm bubbling over as she gestured toward many garment racks holding a few hundred stunning pieces from her wardrobe. "I selected several sets out of everything that I knew would look exquisite with your pale complexion and that gorgeous red hair."

"Sabika, you shouldn't have," I said, walking over to inspect the rich silks, intricate embroideries, and vibrant colors. "They look stunning."

"Nonsense! Come, let's try them on," she urged eagerly, pointing toward the adjoining private dressing room. "We must find the perfect ensemble for tonight."

Sabika had a few hundred outfits from her wardrobe available for me, but I picked out fifteen to start with, gathering the heavy armful of clothes off the hangers before following her inside. Once the heavy double doors swung shut behind us, giving us complete privacy, I didn't waste any time. I unzipped my pants, peeled off my top, and dropped them into a heap on the marble floor, standing there in just my lace bra and panties, ready to get through trying these on as quickly as possible.

“Oh, my Deppgrl. Your undergarments are scandalous!”

“Not in Canada, Sabika,” I said quietly. “We have different views on modesty is and isn’t.”

“That is very true, my friend,” she said. “Because you come here with your hair covered, I will ask my dear husband if he will allow you to uncover your hair.”

“Sabika,” I said as I took her hands. “Out of respect for you, your husband, Islam and Bahrain, I will continue to cover my hair.”

“If Hamad and I travel to Canada, shall I uncover my hair?” Sabika asked me nervously.

“Talk to Allah and he will tell you,” I said diplomatically.

She nodded her head.

Under normal circumstances, I might have enjoyed picking through her closet and these racks, but right now, I was utterly spent. My mind was reeling from the sheer chaos of the last few days. I had flown home to Canada from Italy only two and a half days ago, only to immediately get dragged into a massive security drama involving Charlene, which ultimately ended with me having to fire her, expand the duties of my staff and the security guards. Then came the urgent update from Barb confirming that Hamad was good with my professional and personal reasons for this trip, followed by the whirlwind flight straight here to Bahrain.

By the time I was squeezing into the last of the fifteen outfits I had picked out, I was completely done trying on clothes.

I paused, turning to Sabika while smoothing down the front of an embroidered silk tunic. "Sabika, out of all the ones I've tried on so far, which one do you think looks the best on me?"

Sabika leaned her chin on her hand, studying me thoughtfully with a practiced eye. "The pale blue," she decided without a moment's hesitation. "Without a doubt. The shade brings out the color of your eyes perfectly."

"Pale blue it is, then," I said with a grateful exhale, stripping off the orange piece and pulling the pale blue ensemble back over my head. "Thank you for both the clothes and the help. I really appreciate your eye for this."

"It is my absolute pleasure," she smiled, stepping forward with a soft silk headscarf. "Here, let me help you with the scarf."

She adjusted the fabric around my head, expertly arranging the folds to frame my face while making sure my bright red hair was properly covered according to her faith and country’s laws. Once she was satisfied with the drape, she turned to one of her waiting attendants near the door. I looked in the mirror just to see the majority of my hair was uncovered.

"Please place these other clothes back on their hangers and put them away," Sabika instructed the attendant in a smooth, authoritative tone. "And take her discarded clothes to her guest room—she has a laundry basket set up in her rooms for her personal items."

The attendant curtseyed respectfully. "Right away, Your Highness."

"I'm going to head back to my room to finish dressing and grab a few things before the banquet," I told Sabika.

"Of course. Take your time, my dear."

I stepped out and walked down the private corridor from the room we were in toward the guest suite assigned to me. My body felt heavy with jetlag, and as I thought about the evening ahead, a wave of dread washed over me. King Hamad was famous for hosting lavish, endless banquets that routinely stretched into the early hours of the morning. In my current state, I didn't know how I was going to stay conscious past midnight, let alone play the gracious, attentive guest. I desperately hoped Hamad would understand how utterly exhausted I was.

Stopping in the hallway outside my room, I turned back and called down toward Sabika's sitting room. "Sabika? Do you happen to know if your husband plans on keeping the banquet short tonight?"

Sabika poked her head out from her sitting area, looking back at me. "I am not entirely sure, to be honest," she replied as she reached for her phone. "Let me text Hamad now and find out. I will explain to him that I am concerned about your jetlag."

"You're a lifesaver. Thank you," I said, slipping into my room.

Inside my guest room, I immediately went to work on my preparations for the evening. A few minutes later, a firm, polite knock sounded on my door.

I unlocked the deadbolt and pulled the door open to find Sabika standing there with a reassuring smile.

"Good news," Sabika said, stepping inside as I gestured for her to enter. "I just heard back from Hamad. He said he will definitely keep the banquet on the shorter side tonight. He completely understands how severe your jetlag must be, especially given how short this trip is and how recently you arrived back home from your trip in our neighboring countries."

"Oh, thank goodness," I sighed, feeling a massive weight lift off my shoulders as I turned back to the vanity mirror to adjust my jewelry. "Thank you so much for checking with him, Sabika. That's a huge relief."

"It is no trouble at all," she said softly. She watched me for a moment as I walked toward the door to lock it again, a look of quiet curiosity in her eyes. "May I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why is it that you lock the doors behind you?" she asked gently. “We are always under guard for our protection.”

I paused, looking back at her with a wry, knowing smile. "I'm a stickler for my privacy," I explained honestly. "Plus, in my line of work, keeping a door locked gives me a few precious seconds to react and grab something to defend myself if someone ever tries to break it down. Understanding the politics, how seriously religion is taken here and my security team being not as close as I’m used to, I need to be able to protect myself until they get to me."

Sabika stared at me for a moment, processing the stark reality of my answer, before giving a slow, understanding nod. "I see. That is very practical."

"I'll see you in the banquet hall in a few minutes," I said.

"Ok, Deppgrl,” Sabika said. "I’ll let the king know.”

She stepped out into the hall, and as soon as the door closed, I turned the lock firmly into place once more.

Moving quickly, I went over to my bag and retrieved the pills I needed to give to Khalid after the banquet. I carefully threw them into my small wristlet of a wallet, zipping it tight. Next, I picked up my passport off the nightstand. Holding it firmly, I unbuttoned the top of my outfit slightly, slid the passport securely along the side of my bra so it rested snugly against my rib cage on the side where it was entirely secure and invisible, and smoothed my clothes back down into place.

With my passport hidden safely and my wristlet wallet firmly in hand, I took one last deep breath, unlocked the door, and headed out toward the banquet hall. I took a few wrong turns but I eventually made it. When I stepped into the banquet hall, I immediately saw Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan. I was relieved that they were here with me. I nodded at them as I was the next person to greet the king.

“Hamad, thank you so much for hosting this banquet,” I said as I was stroking his ego. “You are far too generous especially when you so graciously invited four extremely food crazy Canadian men.”

“Prime Minister!” he said in a fake shock. “I am doing my duty as a host and also the king of Bahrain to invite not only heads of state, their representatives and their security team to join us.”

“Thank you,” I said quietly. “I understand the importance of not having alcohol in your palaces. I hope none was secretly purchased on the black market on the behalf of myself and the men that came with me.”

“Of course not, Deppgrl,” Hamad said. “Not for professional meetings. Maybe if you came back soon as just an ordinary citizen of Canada, that can be taken care of.”

“Not necessary, friend. It is important that I show you the same respect that you show me for my faith,” I said.

“How was your visit with Khalid?” he asked.

“It went well. I think I tired him out but I have some herbal pills for him,” I said. I lied – they weren’t herbal; they were Cialis. “I told him that I would give him the pills after the banquet after he told me that tonight is the peak time to impregnate both of his wives. He does need to space them out…one pill as needed every thirty six hours.”

“I will remind him of your directions when I remind him to meet you,” Hamad said.

“Thank you,” I said. “I’m so sorry but I need to see my men. Out of respect for you as my host, I needed to greet you first.”

“Thank you, Prime Minister,” he said a little too loudly. “An Eastern Christian woman who respects Islam and her host knows who to greet when. I am honored that you greeted me first over those that you traveled with.”

I winked, nodded my head slightly and headed to the guys.

“Sorry, guys,” I said. “As the PM of Canada at this moment in time, I had to greet him first. He will feed you guys as well but there is a list of food and drinks that he can’t ethically serve.”

“Ughhhhhh!” was the answer in unison but thankful it was said quietly.

“To give you a quick run-down, no pork or pork by products, no alcohol and other intoxicants – like cooking extract that contains alcohol, non-halal meat, carrion, blood in any form and carnivores and birds of prey.”

“What’s non-halal meat?”

“What’s carrion?”

“Which carnivores and birds of prey?”

“Oh, boy,” I sighed. “Non-halal meat means that approved meat – like beef and chicken – that wasn’t slaughtered by Islamic rituals. Carrion are animals that have died of natural causes, disease and/or injury prior to being slaughtered.  The carnivores and birds of prey mean that they are animals that have sharp fangs or claws that are used for hunting. A few of these animals are lions, tigers, eagles and hawks.”

“Ok, and what are we eating?”

“Some of the best and spiciest foods that you will ever enjoy.”

“What if we don’t like it?”

“The king’s staff will give you small portions of what they are serving for you to try when they first serve you. It’ll be a max of two forkfuls of each food – or spoonfuls. There will be a variation of each food. For instance, kebabs are usually lamb but because the king knows that I don’t eat lamb nor veal, he will have his chefs serve me chicken and beef kebabs. They will offer the four of you a variety of variations.”

Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan nodded.

“I have to go mingle for a bit before the meal is served. There will be appetizers served and you are welcome to help yourselves. Two quick things. One, do NOT take the food with your left hand as it’s impolite and also the left hand is predominantly used for certain hygiene uses such as the bathroom. Second, don’t stuff yourselves. There will be courses upon courses of food during the main meal. Understand?”

They all nodded in agreement.

“Excuse me,” I said with a polite smile. “I’m going to mingle for a bit.”

I made my way through the room, speaking with various heads of state and their representatives. I was grateful that I had taught myself several languages over the years, though being a self-taught polyglot certainly had its challenges. Conversations involving multiple people who spoke different languages could become complicated, especially when I found myself translating one language into two or three others.

“So, how are things going with the negotiations?” one representative asked me in French.

“Quite well, actually,” I replied in French before turning to another guest. “He’s asking about the progress of the negotiations.”

The other guest answered in Spanish, and I translated his response back into French.

“Sometimes I feel like a human translation service,” I joked, earning a few laughs from the group.

As I continued mingling, I noticed the staff circulating throughout the room with trays of delicious appetizers. One of the servers caught my attention and smiled.

“Your favorite is still the samosas, I presume?” he asked.

I laughed. “You know me too well.”

“Actually,” he said, lowering his voice slightly, “I have something you might like to know.”

“Oh?”

He glanced around before continuing. “Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika had a miniature refrigerator placed in your private room.”

I blinked in surprise. “She did what?”

“A miniature fridge,” he repeated with a grin. “She had it put in the room you are using. And she gave us instructions that any samosas left over at the end of the evening are to be placed inside. Just before you are to arrive back into the room.”

I couldn't help but smile. “She really did that?”

“She certainly did.”

“That is incredibly thoughtful of her. Thank you for telling me.”

“Of course. And don't worry—we'll make sure you have plenty.”

I chuckled. “I'll definitely be holding you to that.”

He gave me a small nod before stepping aside to return to his duties.

I glanced across the room and spotted Sabika. A smile immediately crossed my face. Before heading over to her, I excused myself from the small group I had been speaking with.

“Please excuse me for a moment,” I said politely after translating the conversation several times over. “I need to speak with Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika to thank her for her kindness.”

“Of course,” one of them replied.

I smiled and nodded before making my way toward Sabika.

“Princess Sabika!” I called when I reached her.

“Enjoying yourself?” she asked.

“Very much,” I replied. “Though I just heard about a certain miniature refrigerator.”

Her expression turned amused. “Oh, did you?”

“You didn't have to do that.”

“I know,” she said with a shrug. “I wanted to.”

I smiled warmly. “Well, thank you. That was incredibly sweet of you.”

“Anything for you,” she replied with a playful smile. “I know how much you love the samosas. They are from my matriarchal line’s recipes.”

I shook my head, laughing softly. “You're too much.”

“Perhaps,” she said. “But you don't seem to mind.”

“I never said I did.”

We both laughed before continuing our conversation, all while I continued to mingle with the other guests who passed by.

“Ladies, gentlemen, distinguished guests and my dear friend from Canada, Prime Minister Deppgrl Smith – our favorite translator,” Hamad said. “I hope you all enjoyed your conversations and your appetizers. If anyone has not yet had any samosas, now is your time. What is not finished will be saved for the Canadian Prime Minister. Sadly for me, she didn’t fall in love with me but she fell in love with Her Royal Highness Princess Sabika’s family recipe and samosas.”

The crowd and I laughed hard and loud.

“Your Majesty,” I said with a genuine smile. “I have fallen in love with you but my faith prevents me from marrying a man of a different faith and out of friendship with Her Royal Highness Sabika and your other royal wives, I can’t marry you. I have decided to love the Princess Sabika’s samosas and her family’s recipe for the samosas. I do hope you understand.”

“Of course I do, Prime Minister. There’s no jealousy between my wives and you other than you receiving the remaining samosas.”

I laughed so hard that tears were streaming down my face as the crowd laughed.

“King Hamad, this is the agreement that your lovely and royal wives and I agreed to. We agreed that you are too great of a man to fight over. We all thought it was best that I eat the remaining samosas with each stay. Plus, this was highly suggested by the amazing Princess Sabika.”

“One of the many reasons why that she’s my first wife and favorite wife,” Hamad said. “I do love all of my wives equally, friends. Now, let us head to the tables. My staff will guide you to which tables you will all be sat at.”

As Sabika and I made our way towards each other, I remembered the optics.

“As you are the guest of honor, you sit next to my husband,” Sabika said. “But as a woman not married or related to my husband, that is an impossible thing. I will sit to his right and you will sit on my right.”

“Thank you for reminding me, friend,” I said as I grabbed her hand to give it a squeeze. “I hope that Bahrain and Canada remain friends for many years after I provide my personal reasons to your husband. Did he tell you?”

“I hope for both of our sakes,” she said. “Yes, my beloved husband told me. You have worked for us as an asset for many, many years. Due to you now being the prime minister of Canada, you need to step down as our asset. May I suggest something, if I may?”

“I’m glad he’s told you. Of course!”

“After the professional reasons for your meetings with my husband and when you tell him that you’re stepping down as our asset…please let him know that if you hear anything good or bad from other governments that you will send him a message. It could be anything from a potential visit to a government buying ores, slag and ash elsewhere. Our finances in this country aren’t great. This is our first banquet in a long time. We cut it down significantly due to money and because of the fact that you don’t like large crowds.”

“Yes, I will tell your husband that if I hear anything, I will let him know through secret messages. I will send them through you.”

Sabina nodded her head in thanks.

“Ladies, you will be sitting with me of course,” Hamad said. “My lady wife will be to my immediate right and you will sit on her right.”

“Of course, Hamad,” I said. “Optics.”

“Optics,” he repeated. “Your men will be sitting with the men on the left side of the room but still as close to you as possible. Everyone entering the banquet went through a rigorous shake down, if you will. One can never know.”

“Thank you, Hammy,” I said as I giggled. “I will be fine until they get to me.”

“That’s a new one,” he said as he laughed. “A bit tired?”

“A bit,” I said honestly.

“I will grant you permission to call me Hammy but only privately,” he said. “We will enjoy the meal and conversations but the coffee and desserts. I asked my chefs and their staff for their best coffee and ranginas.”

“Ranginas are made of fresh dates topped with roasted flour, butter, and warm spices, right?”

“Spot on, Smithy,” he said with a smile.

“My absolute favorites!”

“I did tell my staff serving desserts to make sure that you get decaf.”

“Perfect,” I said.

We headed to the main table up on the dais. Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan were within fifteen feet from me. Sabika’s security team were sitting with mine. I looked in the eyes of each of my men and nodded. I knew that they were doing well as they wouldn’t do anything in public to embarrass me nor disrespect me.

When everyone was settled in their seats, the conversations around the table picked up again, the earlier formalities giving way to a more relaxed and curious atmosphere. Sabika and the other women seated to my right seemed particularly interested in getting to know me beyond the role I had been playing throughout the evening.

One of the women leaned slightly toward me, smiling.

“So, tell us,” she said, “what did you study at university?”

I smiled. “That depends on whether you're asking about my university degrees or my life degree.”

She laughed softly. “Both.”

“My life degree is people,” I replied. “I've always considered the people I've met, the cultures I've experienced, and the places I've traveled to be my greatest education. As for my actual university degrees, I studied world religions, criminal justice, terrorism, and history.”

The women exchanged impressed glances.

“That is quite a combination,” another woman remarked. “What made you choose all of those?”

“I've always been fascinated by people,” I explained. “Why they believe what they believe, how societies develop, how history shapes the present, and, unfortunately, what drives people toward violence and extremism. To me, all of those subjects are connected in one way or another.”

Sabika nodded thoughtfully. “And I imagine your travels helped with that education as well.”

“They certainly did,” I said. “I traveled quite a bit while growing up, so I was exposed to different cultures and languages from a very young age.”

One of the women looked genuinely surprised. “Is that how you learned so many languages?”

“Partly,” I answered. “I was born and raised in Italy, so my first two languages were Italian and English. As I grew older and traveled more, I picked up Russian, Latvian, Spanish, French, Dutch, and, of course, Arabic.”

“That's incredible,” another woman said. “How did you manage to learn so many?”

“Traveling helped tremendously. When you're constantly surrounded by different languages, you naturally begin picking things up. I also made a point of studying them whenever I could. Eventually, one language became another, and then another.”

Sabika smiled knowingly but said nothing.

“And which language was the hardest to learn?” one of the women asked.

I didn't hesitate.

“Honestly? Russian and English.”

“English?” one of them asked, clearly surprised. “But you speak it perfectly.”

I laughed. “That's exactly why it was difficult. English makes absolutely no sense sometimes.”

The women laughed.

“Russian, I can understand,” another woman said. “But English?”

“English has rules, and then it has exceptions to those rules, and then exceptions to the exceptions,” I explained. “You can learn the grammar and still find yourself wondering why a word is pronounced completely differently from the way it looks.”

Sabika chuckled. “She has a point.”

I looked at her. “Thank you.”

“I never said I agreed with you,” she replied teasingly.

“You didn't have to. Your face did.”

That earned another round of laughter from the women.

“And what is your favorite food?” another woman asked.

I smiled immediately. “Samosas.”

Sabika didn't react with surprise. Instead, she simply gave me a knowing look, as though the answer had been obvious from the beginning.

“Of course,” she murmured.

I glanced at her. “What?”

“Nothing.”

“You knew I was going to say that.”

“I did,” she admitted, smiling.

One of the other women laughed. “So you really do love them that much?”

“I absolutely do,” I said. “If there are samosas somewhere, I'm probably going to find them.”

Sabika shook her head with an amused smile. “That much is already well established.”

I laughed. “And what's wrong with that?”

“Nothing at all,” she replied. “I'm simply saying that nobody here should be surprised if you somehow manage to locate the samosas before anyone else.”

“I have my priorities.”

The women laughed, and the conversation continued easily from there. They asked more questions about my travels, my childhood in Italy, and the experiences that had led me to learn so many languages. I answered each question openly, occasionally switching between languages when someone asked me to say something in one of them.

Sabika remained beside me, occasionally adding a comment or teasing me when she could, but she mostly let the others discover these things about me for themselves.

She already knew much of my story.

Still, she seemed genuinely amused watching the others become increasingly impressed as they learned it for the first time.

The more we talked, the more food seemed to make its way onto the table. Every time I thought we had finished being served, another dish appeared, each one filling the room with another tempting aroma. Before long, the table was covered with an impressive spread of machboos, chicken biryani, madrooba, thareed, shawarma, falafel, kebabs, and baba ghanoush.

I looked over everything in front of me, trying to decide where to begin.

“This is quite a feast,” I said, laughing softly.

Hamad smiled. “You haven't seen anything yet.”

I glanced at him. “I thought you said you were going to make sure I had options.”

“I did,” he replied. “And I kept my word.”

He had. True to his promise, whenever a dish was made with meat, I was given both chicken and beef versions whenever possible. I appreciated the thoughtfulness, especially since it meant I could enjoy the same dishes as everyone else without having to worry about being left out.

I took a little of everything onto my plate and began eating, occasionally joining in on the conversations around me. The food was delicious, and with everyone talking and laughing, it was easy to lose track of how much I had already eaten.

At one point, I glanced toward Sabika.

“Sabika?”

She turned toward me. “Yes?”

“Would it be possible to have some of this saved for me?” I asked. “I'd love to put some in the mini fridge so I can have it later.”

She smiled immediately. “Of course it can.”

I gave her a grateful smile. “Thank you. I just don't want to waste any of it, and I know I'll want something later.”

“You don't have to worry about that,” she assured me.

Sabika then leaned slightly toward Hamad and quietly explained what I had asked for. Hamad listened, nodded, and then motioned for one of the men nearby to come over.

When the man approached, Hamad explained my request to him.

“She would like some of the food saved and delivered to her so she can keep it in the mini fridge,” Hamad said.

The man looked over at me, and I gave him a polite smile.

“Of course,” he said, nodding. “I'll take care of it.”

I thanked him. “I really appreciate that.”

He smiled before adding, “I'll have my sister make the delivery.”

Hamad nodded approvingly. “That will be fine.”

The man gave another nod before stepping away to make the arrangements.

I looked back at my plate, which was still more than enough for me. I continued eating until I had finished everything I had taken, making sure not to leave anything behind.

Once my plate was empty, someone offered to give me more.

“No, thank you,” I said politely, placing my hands together in front of me. “Everything was delicious, but I'm quite full.”

“Are you sure?” one of the women asked. “There's plenty more.”

I smiled. “I'm sure. If I eat anything else, I'll probably need someone to roll me out of here.”

The women laughed.

Sabika smiled at me. “Then it's probably best that you stop while you still have the ability to walk.”

“Exactly,” I replied, laughing.

I leaned back slightly in my chair, satisfied and comfortably full, while the conversations around the table continued. Knowing that some of the food would be saved for me later made me even happier. I could enjoy the rest of the evening without worrying that I was passing up food I wanted to try again.

Hamad leaned slightly toward me, lowering his voice so that only Sabika and I could hear him.

“Do you think now would be a good opportunity to speak with Khalid privately?” he asked.

I glanced around the room. The guests were stuffed from the meal and thoroughly distracted, talking amongst themselves while the staff moved around them, clearing plates and tidying the tables.

Hamad continued, “Everyone is occupied with their conversations, and the staff are keeping them busy. Their full bellies have certainly made them comfortable. We may not get a better opportunity than this.”

I nodded. “Yes. I think now would be a good time.”

“I agree,” Sabika said quietly.

“I’m going to excuse myself to the ladies’ room,” I said. “That should give me a natural reason to step away.”

Hamad and Sabika both nodded.

I turned toward the ladies seated to my right.

“Ladies, please excuse me. I’m going to the ladies’ room for a moment.”

Knowing that several of them were more comfortable in other languages, I repeated the same thing in Arabic, French, and Italian, making sure everyone who needed it understood.

“Of course,” one of the women replied.

“Take your time,” another said with a smile.

“Thank you,” I replied.

I stood, reached down, and grabbed my wristlet wallet from the chair. I pushed my chair neatly back into place before turning away from the table.

Before I continued, I turned briefly to get Armand’s attention.

He saw me immediately.

Our eyes met, and he gave me a subtle nod.

It was his way of letting me know that he understood what was happening and that he was up and ready to protect me if necessary.

I gave him a small nod in return and continued walking.

As I made my way behind the chairs of the ladies seated behind me, Armand headed toward the stairs of the dais.

When Armand and I met at the stairs of the dais, he offered his hand. I took it, grateful for the assistance, because after everything I'd eaten, I didn't entirely trust myself not to fall face-first down the stairs.

We headed out of the banquet hall, and once we were far enough away from the main gathering, I quietly explained what I was doing.

“I’m going to the ladies’ room first,” I told him. “Then I’m meeting Khalid to drop something off. You’re going to remain with Khalid and me so the optics stay respectable.”

Armand nodded but then looked at me thoughtfully.

“What do we do if someone sees the three of us meeting?” he asked.

“Anyone who might see us is still in the banquet hall,” I explained. “And if anyone asks, we can simply say that Khalid approached us to speak with us or that I got us lost. Best bet is to say that we got lost on my account as we are guests of King Hamad.”

Armand nodded. “That works.”

He followed me down the hallway toward the ladies’ room, where he remained outside in the hallway to stand guard.

I stepped inside, used the restroom, and then washed my hands. I took a moment to adjust the borrowed clothing and scarf I was wearing. Before leaving, I quickly checked the clothing to make sure I hadn't accidentally gotten anything on it.

Thankfully, there weren't any stains.

I sighed in relief before rejoining Armand in the hallway.

“Ready?” he asked.

“Ready.”

I led us farther down the hallway, taking an offshoot that would give us a little more privacy. As we walked, I reached into my wristlet wallet and discreetly took out the three pills, keeping them hidden in the palm of my hand.

Once we were out of the main hallway, I turned slightly toward Armand.

“I can't be seen touching a man who isn't related to me while we're out in the open,” I explained quietly. “But you, Roger, Joel, and Ronan are the exception because you're with me and are acting as my brothers, not just acting as my security.”

Armand understood immediately.

He held out his hand, and I discreetly passed the three pills to him.

Seconds later, we encountered Khalid, just as planned via his father.

His expression brightened when he saw us.

“Ah, there you are,” he said warmly. “It's good to see you.”

He then looked toward Armand.

“And you must be the head of her security. I don't believe we've properly introduced ourselves. Prince Khalid.”

I smiled politely as Khalid extended his hand toward Armand. It’s true that they met hours before when Khalid and I fucked but they never introduced themselves.

Before either of them made contact, I gently tilted my head toward Armand.

It was subtle, but Khalid understood immediately that Armand had the pills.

Khalid gave the slightest nod of acknowledgment. Armand stuck his hand out.

The two men appeared to shake hands, but in the brief exchange, the pills were discreetly transferred from Armand to Khalid.

The entire exchange lasted only a moment.

I then turned toward Khalid.

“I apologize, Prince Khalid,” I said. “We seem to have gotten ourselves lost.”

Khalid smiled.

“Lost?”

“Completely,” I admitted. “Would you mind leading us back?”

“Of course,” he said. “Follow me.”

Khalid took the lead as Armand and I followed behind him. I stayed beside Armand, maintaining the appropriate optics as we walked together.

Within ninety seconds, we were back in the banquet hall.

Khalid headed toward the left side of the dais, where he returned to his seat a few places down from his father.

Armand offered me his hand again as we reached the stairs to the dais.

“Careful,” he murmured.

I took his hand and allowed him to help me up the stairs before returning to my seat with the ladies.

“I'm sorry for the delay,” I told them as I settled back into my chair. “I managed to get myself and my head of security lost. Thankfully, Prince Khalid happened to stumble upon us and led us back.”

The women laughed softly, and I smiled as I settled back into the conversation. Seconds later, the staff that served dinner came out with trays upon trays of freshly made ranginas. More staff came out to serve coffee. The color of my tea cup was different from the rest. To those who didn’t know, it wasn’t a sign of respect as a guest but to signify that I was going to receive decaf coffee. Once my coffee was poured, I was happy to see that sugar and cream were already added to the carafe and the carafe was left in front of me.

“King Hamad, Princess Sabika,” I said. “The both of you thought of everything. Sugar and cream were already added to the coffee in the carafe before it came out. Many thanks to the both of you.”

“Of course, Deppgrl,” Sabika said. “There is a little regular coffee mixed in but a small amount. It’s just enough to keep you awake through dessert through when the banquet is over.”

“Quite considerate. Thank you.”

“Smithy,” Hamad said with a smile. “Some ranginas have been packed and headed to the mini fridge in your room.”

“Thank you, Hammy,” I said as a staff member served me a few of the ranginas onto my plate.

I was already so stuffed that I honestly wasn't sure I could fit another bite of anything. The meal had been incredible, but between the machboos, biryani, madrooba, thareed, shawarma, falafel, kebabs, and everything else that had made its way onto my plate, I was more than satisfied.

Still, I didn't want to be disrespectful to my hosts.

When the ranginas were brought out, I looked at the small dessert in front of me and smiled.

“I really shouldn't,” I murmured to myself.

Sabika glanced over at me. “You said that about the last three things.”

I laughed quietly. “And I meant it every time.”

“You're going to try it anyway.”

I looked at her and sighed. “Of course I am. It would be rude not to.”

I picked up a small piece of the rangina and took a bite.

My eyebrows immediately rose.

“Oh, wow.”

Sabika smiled. “Good?”

“This is far better than I remember.”

She gave me an amused look. “You remember having it before?”

“I do. But this is different. This is really good.”

I took another small bite, savoring the sweetness of the dates, the texture, and the flavors that came together so well.

“I thought you were full,” Sabika teased.

“I am.”

“Then why are you still eating?”

I swallowed and gave her a completely serious look.

“Because apparently my stomach has a separate compartment for dessert.”

She laughed.

I reached for my coffee and took a sip, letting the warmth settle after the sweetness of the rangina. As I lowered the cup, my attention was drawn across the room.

I saw Khalid walk over to his first wife.

He leaned down toward her and whispered something quietly into her ear.

Whatever he said caught her attention immediately.

Her expression changed, and she rose from her chair almost in a rush.

Khalid gently took her by the hand and began leading her away from the table.

I watched them for a moment, understanding exactly what was happening without needing to hear a single word.

As Khalid passed by, I caught his eye.

I gave him a quick wink.

He responded with nothing more than a curt nod before continuing out with his first wife.

I took another sip of my coffee and sat back into my comfortable chair.

No one else seemed to pay much attention to their departure. The conversations continued around us, with guests still talking amongst themselves and the staff continuing to move throughout the room.

As far as everyone else was concerned, Khalid and his first wife had simply stepped away.

But there were only five people in the room who knew where they were actually headed: the King, Armand, myself, Khalid, and his first wife.

Thirty or so minutes, the banquet slowly came to a close. Hamad and Sabika stood up and left the dais on their respective sides. The women and I followed Sabika, the men followed Hamad. Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan followed me but from a small distance of fifteen feet. As we headed to Sabika’s rooms, the other women split off and headed out of the palace while Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan headed to where they were staying.

When we arrived at her rooms, I wanted to thank her for a fabulous evening filled with wonderful food and conversation between us and the other ladies.

“Thank you again for such a lovely evening,” I told her. “The food was incredible, and I really enjoyed our conversations with you and the other ladies on the dais.”

“I’m so glad,” Sabika replied with a warm smile. “I enjoyed having the ladies together on the dais.”

I then headed toward the private room she had so graciously allowed me to use. Thankfully, the bathrooms here were very similar to the ones back home in Canada, so I didn’t have to worry about figuring out some unfamiliar arrangement.

Before I disappeared into the bathroom, Sabika called after me.

“Leave the outfit with me,” she said. “I’ll have it handwashed and sent home with you.”

I turned back toward her. “You really don’t have to do that.”

“I insist,” she said with a small wave of her hand. “It would be my pleasure.”

I immediately headed into the bathroom in the room I was using. A short while later, I emerged and walked back into the room. I looked at her with a stunned expression, still trying to comprehend her generosity.

Before I could even open my mouth to thank her, she spoke.

“And there are a few other styles of my clothes that I think you might like,” she added casually.

I blinked. “Other styles?”

“Yes.” She smiled. “I’ll have some sent home with you after they’ve been sized.”

“Sabika…” I began, completely taken aback. “That’s far too generous.”

“Nonsense,” she replied. “One of my attendants is about your height and build. She can stand in for you with the seamstresses while you’re busy.”

“While I’m busy?” I was so exhausted that I had forgotten my reasons of meeting with Hamad.

“Yes. You’ll be meeting with my husband and some of the others from the government to discuss business, won’t you?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Then you shouldn’t have to spend your time being measured and fitted for clothes. My attendant can stand in for you.”

I stared at her for a moment before laughing softly. “You’ve thought of everything.”

“I try.”

I strode over to her and wrapped my arms around her in a grateful hug.

“Thank you,” I said warmly. “Really. Thank you so much.”

She laughed and hugged me back.

“Oh, Canadians!” she exclaimed, shaking her head affectionately.

We separated from the hug, both of us smiling.

“I mean it,” I told her. “I appreciate you—and your friendship—very much. More than I can properly put into words.”

For a moment, she looked almost embarrassed by my sincerity. A faint pink touched her cheeks, and she glanced away before looking back at me.

“You are very kind,” she said softly.

“As are you, friend.”

She smiled again, this time a little shyly.

“Well, then, you should get some rest. You have a busy day ahead of you.”

“I suppose I do.”

“Good night.”

“Good night, Sabika. And thank you again—for everything.”

She gave me one last warm smile.

“You’re welcome.”

With that, she turned and disappeared toward her own rooms, leaving me standing there with a smile on my face and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the extraordinary friendship that had begun to grow between us.

I headed back through the room and into the bathroom, ready to strip out of my bra and panties and get some much-needed sleep. I had already handed the outfit of Sabika’s that I had been wearing back to her, as she had promised to have it carefully washed, fitted, and sent home with me. There wasn't much left for me to worry about before going to bed.

I slipped out of my bra and panties and placed them in the laundry basket before taking a quick look around the bathroom. Everything was surprisingly familiar, which was a relief after such a long and exhausting day. Thankfully, the bathrooms here were very similar to the ones back home in Canada, so I didn't have to figure out anything unfamiliar before getting ready for bed.

I brushed my teeth and ran a brush through my hair, all the while feeling the exhaustion settling deeper into my body. It had been an incredibly long day. Between the travel, crossing so many time zones, meeting with everyone, and spending the evening enjoying wonderful food and conversation with Sabika and the other ladies, I felt as though I had been awake for far longer than I actually had.

There was nothing else I needed to do.

I turned off the bathroom light, made my way back into the room, and climbed into bed. The moment my head touched the pillow, I was asleep.

I fell asleep more exhausted than I had been in a very long time.

A few hours later, sometime around four in the morning, I was suddenly awakened by a sound drifting through the darkness. The mosque was making its call to prayer—the adhan—calling the men to Friday prayers.

For a few moments, I lay there completely confused, trying to figure out what had awakened me. I listened to the unfamiliar yet strangely beautiful sound before finally remembering where I was.

I glanced toward the window. It was still completely dark outside.

“Four in the morning?” I whispered to myself.

I closed my eyes again and tried to go back to sleep, but it was useless. My body had been thrown completely out of rhythm from crossing so many time zones in such a short period of time. My internal clock had no idea what time it was supposed to be.

Apparently, it had decided that four in the morning was the perfect time to start the day.

I sighed and pushed the blankets away.

“Well, I guess I'm going to be up for the rest of the day.”

There wasn't much point in trying to force myself back to sleep, so I climbed out of bed and headed into the bathroom. I turned on the shower and stepped beneath the warm water, letting it wake me up and wash away the last traces of sleep.

After showering, I dried off, brushed my hair, and brushed my teeth. I dressed in loose linen clothing, choosing something comfortable and appropriate for the morning, then took one last look at myself in the mirror.

I felt considerably more awake now.

I quietly opened the door and stepped back into the room. The palace was still remarkably quiet at that hour, with most of the household apparently still asleep.

I made my way out toward the rest of Sabika's rooms, wondering who else might already be awake and what the day ahead would bring. The women from the dais from the night before were on cushions on the floor set around a table. They were having breakfast. I joined the women at the table.

“Good morning!” one of the women said cheerfully.

“Good morning,” I replied with a smile.

“You’re up early,” another woman said.

“The call to prayer woke me around 4 am,” I explained. “I tried to go back to sleep, but after crossing so many time zones, my sleep schedule is completely off.”

“I can imagine,” one of the women said sympathetically. “Come, sit down. We have breakfast waiting for you.”

They excitedly told me that there was strong caffeinated coffee—with a carafe specially made for me with sugar and cream added—along with potatoes, chickpeas, eggs with tomatoes, balaleet, and khubz tannoor for breakfast.

“You had a special carafe made just for me?” I asked.

“Of course,” one of the women replied with a smile. “We were told you like your coffee strong.”

I smiled. “You’re all going to spoil me.”

“We certainly hope so,” another woman said with a laugh.

Everything looked delicious, but I was still stuffed from the banquet the night before.

“I promise everything looks wonderful,” I said, “but I’m still so full from dinner last night.”

“Then just have a little,” one of the women told me.

“I will.”

I picked at the food and ate enough to fill me a little bit. I had some potatoes, chickpeas, eggs with tomatoes, a little balaleet, and some khubz tannoor.

As I ate, one of the attendants brought me a large bottle of cold water.

“Here you are,” she said, placing it beside me.

“Thank you,” I replied gratefully.

I was parched and grateful that bottled water had been brought to me. I knew that the water was super filtered here at the palace, but both Sabika and Hamad wanted me to be comfortable at the palace, and having cold bottled water available was certainly appreciated.

I opened the bottle and chugged it.

“Slow down,” Sabika said with a gentle laugh. “You’ll hurt your stomach.”

I lowered the bottle and laughed.

“I didn't realize how thirsty I was.”

“I could tell.”

I took another drink, this time more slowly. It was exactly what I needed, especially with the strong coffee I was about to drink.

Once I was finished with the water, I set the bottle aside and started drinking the carafe of coffee via a tea cup. As always, the Arabic coffee was excellent and strong enough to keep me buzzing all day.

Sabika leaned over to me.

“Hamad and his members of his retinue and government will be ready by 5:45 am,” she told me.

I nodded. “Thank you for letting me know.”

“You have some time before then,” she replied.

I looked around the table and noticed that breakfast was beginning to wind down. The attendants were starting to clear the table.

I stood up.

“Can I help?”

Sabika looked surprised.

“Help with what?”

“Cleaning up after breakfast.”

She gave me an amused look.

“It is very uncommon for a guest of honor to help the palace staff and attendants of the royal family clean up after a meal.”

“I know, but I don't mind helping.”

She smiled.

“I know you. You can’t sit still, and you certainly don't like sitting around while everyone else is working.”

I smiled. “Exactly.”

Sabika laughed and called over her head attendant. She explained everything to her, including that I had offered to help clean up after breakfast.

The attendant looked at me with a smile.

“Thank you for your offer,” she said. “That is very kind of you.”

I smiled. “Of course.”

I immediately grabbed the serving plates that had untouched food on them and started toward the kitchens used for the royal family. I returned to the table and repeated this until all of the untouched food had been brought down and packed up.

Once that was finished, I moved on to the food that had been partially eaten, making sure it was properly gathered and packed away before moving on to the used plates, utensils, and glasses.

One of the attendants watched me for a moment.

“You have a particular order for doing this,” she observed.

I nodded.

Once the attendants understood how I was cleaning up, they started following my lead. One collected the glasses while another gathered the utensils, while I continued clearing the plates.

In no time, we had the table cleared off.

“That was quick,” I said.

The head attendant smiled. “You work very efficiently.”

“Thank you. I spent many years working for my brother at his restaurant. The goal was to clear the untouched food first, then pack up food that had been consumed partway, and then clear up the used plates and other things.”

The attendant smiled.

“That makes sense.”

The staff and attendants explained to me that they had specific cleaning supplies to clean the table and that they would take care of it before breaking the table down to store it.

I nodded.

“Of course. Thank you for allowing me to help.”

“No,” the head attendant said warmly. “Thank you for helping us.”

She then looked at the way I had separated the food and used dishes.

“Actually, the way you cleaned up after this intimate meal is very helpful.”

I looked at her curiously. “How so?”

“You handled the untouched food first, before handling the partially consumed food and the used plates and utensils. That means clean hands handled the food, and the used dishes were kept separate.”

She smiled.

“There is less risk of cross-contamination between the used plates and utensils and the food,” I said.

“That makes sense,” she said as she nodded. “We will remember that. From now on, this will be the way we clean up after an intimate meal like this.”

I smiled. “I’m glad I could help.”

Sabika had been watching the exchange with an amused smile.

“What?” I asked her.

“Nothing,” she replied, laughing softly. “I’m simply amused that my guest of honor has already helped my attendants clean up after breakfast.”

I laughed.

“I told you. You can't sit still.”

“I know,” I said with a sigh. “And apparently, I can't resist helping either.”

She smiled.

“Well, at least I was useful.”

“You certainly were.”

A few minutes later, there was a soft knock on the outer door of Sabika’s rooms.

One of the attendants looked toward Sabika, who gave a small nod.

“Come in.”

The door opened, and Armand stood there with Roger, Joel, and Ronan behind him.

Armand gave me a quick smile. “There you are. We were beginning to wonder if we were going to have to send a search party.”

I laughed softly. “I was only a few minutes.”

“By your standards,” Roger said, stepping into the room, “that probably qualifies as early.”

I looked at him. “Do you want to go back outside?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Good answer.”

Joel chuckled.

Ronan glanced toward Sabika and then back to me. “Hamad is ready for you.”

“Who else is there?”

“Prince Salman, Prince Nasser, Prince Khalid, and several other men,” Armand answered. “There are also a few of the female attendants from last night’s banquet.”

Sabika rose from her cushions.

“Then I suppose our morning is about to become considerably more formal.”

I stood and adjusted my clothing.

Sabika smiled. “Be careful.”

“I will.”

“And remember,” she added, “you are a guest.”

“I know.”

She gave me a pointed look.

“I mean it,” I said. “I’ll behave.”

“That is exactly what worries me.”

I laughed.

Armand stepped aside and motioned toward the door. “Shall we?”

“Let’s go.”

We left Sabika’s rooms and entered the great hall.

The palace seemed different in the morning. The grandeur was still there, but the quiet of the previous night had been replaced by the steady movement of attendants, guards, and officials going about their duties. As we walked, I could hear the faint sounds of conversation echoing through the enormous corridors.

Roger leaned slightly toward me.

“You all right?”

“I’m fine.”

“You look tired.”

“I am tired.”

“Still?”

“I’ve been awake since five forty-five this morning.”

“And you had coffee.”

“An entire carafe.”

Joel looked at me. “You drank an entire carafe?”

“Through a teacup.”

Ronan laughed. “That doesn't make it sound any better.”

“It wasn't supposed to.”

We reached one of the more public rooms in the palace.

The doors opened.

Hamad was seated across the room, with his three prominent sons nearby—Prince Salman, Prince Nasser, and, of course, Prince Khalid. Several other men were present, along with a handful of female attendants from the banquet the night before.

Hamad stood as I entered.

“There she is.”

I smiled. “Good morning, Hamad.”

“Good morning. Did you sleep?”

“Eventually.”

“Eventually?”

“The call to prayer woke me at five forty-five.”

He smiled sympathetically. “Then you have had a long morning already.”

“You could say that.”

Prince Khalid smiled. “And yet you look remarkably composed.”

“I have had a great deal of practice pretending that I know what I’m doing.”

Prince Nasser laughed.

Prince Salman shook his head. “I suspect you know considerably more than you admit.”

“That is entirely possible.”

Hamad gestured toward the cushions.

“Please. Sit.”

I crossed the room and settled onto a cushion across the table from him. Armand, Roger, Joel, and Ronan remained nearby, positioned in such a way that they could observe the room without appearing intrusive.

Tea was brought in almost immediately.

Hamad poured my cup.

“Tea?”

“Please.”

He handed it to me.

“Sugar?”

“A little.”

He added sugar and passed the cup across the table.

“Thank you.”

Hamad settled back.

“Now,” he said, “let us discuss ores, slag, and ash.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“Good morning to you too.”

He laughed.

“You asked for business.”

“I did.”

“And business is what you shall have.”

Prince Khalid leaned forward slightly.

“Canada has opportunities in clean-energy processing that Bahrain cannot ignore.”

I nodded. “And Bahrain has resources and industrial byproducts that Canada can help find productive uses for.”

Hamad nodded. “Exactly.”

I took a sip of tea.

“The key is making sure that the trade benefits both countries.”

“Of course.”

“And that the environmental standards are clear.”

Prince Salman spoke up. “You want Canadian standards applied to the processing?”

“I want mutually agreed standards,” I corrected. “Canada cannot dictate how Bahrain conducts its own domestic affairs.”

Hamad smiled.

“There is the diplomat.”

“I’m Prime Minister today. I have to be a little diplomatic.”

“A little?”

“Fine. A lot.”

Everyone laughed.

We continued.

The discussion moved from ores to slag, then to ash, processing, transportation, environmental safeguards, energy efficiency, and the possibilities of cooperation between Canadian companies and Bahraini industries.

At one point, Hamad leaned back and folded his arms.

“You are asking for considerable oversight.”

“I’m asking for transparency.”

“There is a difference?”

“A very important one.”

Prince Nasser nodded thoughtfully.

“She has a point.”

Hamad looked toward his son.

“Traitor.”

Nasser laughed.

“I said she had a point, Father. I did not say you were wrong.”

“That is how it begins.”

I smiled into my tea.

After several hours of discussion, we had worked through most of the major points.

There were still details to settle.

I looked over the final draft.

“This section needs clarification.”

Hamad leaned toward me.

“Which section?”

“Transportation responsibilities.”

He read it.

“You want the responsibility divided?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because if something goes wrong in transit, we need to know exactly who is responsible for what. Otherwise, six months from now, someone will be standing in an office saying, ‘That was their responsibility.’”

Roger quietly muttered, “She's seen that before.”

I looked over at him.

“Many times.”

Hamad laughed.

“Then let us make certain it cannot happen here.”

He called for the necessary staff.

The language was amended.

We reviewed it again.

Finally, I set the papers down.

“I can agree to this.”

Hamad looked at me.

“So can I.”

He turned toward his sons.

“Do you agree?”

Prince Salman nodded.

“Yes.”

Prince Nasser agreed as well.

Prince Khalid looked over the final section.

“Yes.”

Hamad looked back at me.

“Then we have an agreement.”

“We do.”

The finalized documents were prepared.

Hamad personally handled the faxing.

He sent the agreement to his office and had a copy transmitted to my office as well as the appropriate office of Parliament.

I watched as the transmission was completed.

Hamad looked at the machine.

“There.”

I nodded.

“Done.”

“Done.”

He dismissed most of the staff, his sons, and several of the attendants.

Soon the room was considerably quieter.

Hamad deliberately kept the female attendants from the banquet, along with Armand, Roger, Joel, and Ronan.

I noticed.

“So,” I said, “you want witnesses.”

“I want people who understand that what is said next is between us.”

“That sounds ominous.”

“It is not.”

“Good.”

Hamad looked at me for a long moment.

“Now I want to ask you something personal.”

I placed my teacup down.

“All right.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do you want to cut your ties with me and my government?”

I was quiet for a moment.

“Because I am the Prime Minister of Canada.”

Hamad nodded.

“You cannot work for another government.”

“Exactly.”

“And?”

I sighed.

“And because I don't want to do it anymore.”

He studied me.

“You have worked for many governments.”

“I have.”

“You have been an asset.”

“I have.”

“You have done things most people would never know about.”

“That is generally the point.”

Hamad's expression became more serious.

“And now?”

“Now I'm tired.”

He waited.

I continued.

“I am getting far too old for this.”

Armand shifted slightly behind me but said nothing.

I looked down at my hands.

“I've spent years in combat situations. I've survived assassination attempts. I've been put in situations where the odds of walking away weren't particularly good.”

Hamad's expression softened.

“There were many?”

“Too many.”

“How many times did you think you were going to die?”

I gave him a tired smile.

“Enough that I stopped counting.”

He was silent.

“I don't want that life anymore,” I continued. “I want to live.”

Hamad nodded slowly.

“Live?”

“Yes.”

“Doing what?”

I smiled faintly.

“I don't know yet.”

“You have no plan?”

“My plan is to have a life.”

He smiled.

“That is a surprisingly difficult plan for someone like you.”

“I know.”

He looked at me for several seconds before nodding.

“I understand.”

“You do?”

“Yes.”

He leaned forward.

“I accept your decision.”

I smiled.

“Thank you.”

“But.”

My eyebrow immediately rose.

Hamad noticed.

“There is the eyebrow.”

“I don't like conditions.”

“I know.”

“Then why did you say ‘but’?”

“Because I have one condition.”

I folded my arms.

“Of course you do.”

He smiled.

“If you hear anything in the winds from another government—good or bad—and it involves Bahrain, I want you to give me a warning.”

I stared at him.

“That’s it?”

“That is it.”

“No intelligence reports?”

“No.”

“No classified documents?”

“No.”

“No assignments?”

“Absolutely not.”

I relaxed slightly.

“Just a heads-up?”

“A heads-up.”

I thought about it.

“I can do that.”

Hamad nodded.

“Then we have an understanding.”

“We do.”

He extended his hand.

I shook it.

The handshake represented two agreements at once.

One was official—the agreement between Canada and Bahrain.

The other was personal.

My years of working as an asset and spy for Bahrain were over.

Hamad held my hand for a moment before releasing it.

“Then you are free.”

I smiled.

“That sounds very nice.”

“It is meant to.”

I stood.

“Well, I suppose I should get back to my life.”

Hamad laughed.

“You are not leaving yet.”

“I was afraid you were going to say that.”

I had barely taken a few steps toward the door when Hamad's expression changed.

“Wait.”

I stopped.

“What?”

“I just received word that the airport you flew into is having trouble.”

I turned.

“What kind of trouble?”

“I do not know.”

“Where did you hear this?”

“My phone.”

He pulled it out and showed me the message and video clip that had been sent to him.

I watched it carefully.

“This isn't enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“I want to verify it before we make any rash decisions.”

Hamad nodded immediately.

“Of course.”

I looked over my shoulder at Armand, Roger, Joel, and Ronan.

They were already alert.

I nodded toward the door.

“Come on.”

We exited the room.

As we walked, I looked at Hamad.

“I'll let you know what I'm doing in the next fifteen minutes.”

“Agreed.”

We moved quickly.

Once we reached our belongings, I turned toward the others.

“Everyone, start calling.”

Armand nodded.

“Who?”

“Everyone you trust. Here and abroad. Find out what's happening.”

Roger pulled out his phone.

“I'm on it.”

“Joel?”

“Already texting.”

“Ronan?”

“Calling.”

I looked at them all.

“Don't rely on one source. I want multiple confirmations.”

Armand nodded.

“Understood.”

“I'll contact my own people and call the airport directly.”

Roger looked at me.

“And if nobody will confirm anything?”

“Then we assume nothing and prepare for everything.”

I pointed down another corridor.

“There’s a garden that's semi-private. Meet me there in twelve minutes.”

Ronan nodded.

“Twelve minutes.”

“Not thirteen.”

He smiled.

“I'll be there in eleven.”

We split up.

Phones came out.

Messages flew.

Calls were made.

We scattered in multiple directions throughout the palace.

The next twelve minutes seemed to move in two completely opposite directions.

They were ridiculously slow as I waited for responses. And dangerously fast because every second brought us closer to whatever was happening at the airport.

Ten minutes passed.

My phone buzzed.

Then again.

And again.

I had heard from all of my contacts. The reports conflicted. Some claimed the airport was experiencing serious problems. Others said operations were continuing normally.Some had heard there was a security issue. Others had heard there was an equipment problem. The airport itself would neither confirm nor deny anything. That concerned me more than almost anything else.

I headed toward the garden. Armand, Roger, Joel, and Ronan were already waiting. I approached them.

“Well?”

Armand shook his head.

“Conflicting reports.”

Roger nodded.

“Same.”

“Nothing reliable,” Joel said.

Ronan held up his phone.

“I have three completely different stories.”

I nodded.

“Okay.”

They waited.

I took a deep breath.

“We're going to take this seriously.”

Armand nodded.

“Yes.”

“This is dangerous territory for a woman traveling under circumstances like these. We don't know what's happening, and we aren't going to pretend we do.”

Roger asked, “What’s the plan?”

“We leave as soon as an hour from now.”

“And no later than?”

“Ninety minutes.”

Joel nodded.

“Understood.”

“Let's move.”

We rushed back toward our belongings.

By the time I reached Sabika's rooms, she was already ahead of me.

The moment I entered, she was giving instructions to her attendants.

She turned when she saw me.

“There you are.”

“We have a problem.”

“I know.”

“You know?”

“I was told.”

She motioned toward the mini fridge.

“I started freezing the food.”

I looked at her.

“The food?”

“Yes.”

“You already knew?”

“I have been here long enough to know when something is wrong.”

Her attendants were already packing.

“The clothes you gave me?”

“They are packed.”

“Everything?”

“Everything.”

I looked directly at her.

“Sabika.”

“Yes?”

“I need to ask you something.”

She nodded.

“Ask.”

“Are there any tracking devices in the clothing?”

Her face immediately became serious.

“No.”

“Any listening devices?”

“No.”

“Anything sewn into the clothing? Hidden in the suitcase? Anything attached?”

“Absolutely not.”

I held her gaze.

“Are you sure?”

She looked almost offended.

“Very sure.”

“I had to ask.”

“I know.”

“I can't afford to assume anything.”

“I understand.”

I took a breath.

“I’m sorry.”

She stepped toward me.

“You do not need to apologize.”

“I do.”

“No.”

She opened her arms.

I stepped into the hug.

She held me tightly.

“I knew you would ask,” she whispered. “And had to ask.”

“Thank you.”

“When you work the kind of life you have worked, you must ask.”

I nodded.

“And you can always trust me.”

“I know.”

We separated. Sabika wiped at the corner of one eye.

“I also sent the frozen food to the airport.”

“You did?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“It will be stored in a freezer there until you arrive.”

“And then?”

“It will go into the refrigerated area of your aircraft.”

I nodded.

“Under security?”

“Under security.”

“In transit?”

“Yes.”

“At the airport?”

“Yes.”

“On the plane?”

“Yes.”

She smiled.

“Your food will be watched until it is in your hands again.”

I laughed softly.

“You thought of everything.”

“I had help.”

I looked at the attendants.

“Thank you.”

One of them smiled.

Sabika nodded toward them.

“They wanted to help.”

I turned toward my belongings.

“I need to finish packing.”

“Go.”

I gathered the rest of my clothing, the wires for my electronic devices, chargers, personal items, and everything else I had brought with me.

I stopped for a moment.

My phone came out.

I quickly texted Barb.

Have a car for Ronan and me ready at our local airport in sixteen hours. Another for Armand, Roger and Joel.

Her response came almost immediately.

Cars will be there and manned in fourteen hours.

I smiled.

See you soon.

I hit send.

My screen went dark.

I looked at it for a moment before putting it away.

Then I turned back toward Sabika.

I hugged her again.

“Thank you.”

“You are welcome.”

I then said goodbye to Hamad's other wives and the attendants. I thanked each of them by name. One of the attendants looked surprised.

“You remembered my name?”

“Of course.”

Another smiled.

“And mine?”

“Of course.”

Sabika laughed.

“I told you she remembers everything.”

“I try.”

One of the women shook her head.

“I met you only once.”

“Last night.”

“Yes.”

“I remember.”

They exchanged amused looks.

“You are remarkable.”

“I've been called worse.”

That earned another round of laughter.

I took one final look around.

“Thank you. All of you.”

Sabika hugged me one last time.

“Be safe.”

“I will.”

“Call me.”

“I promise.”

I finally stepped away.

Armand, Roger, Joel, and Ronan were waiting in the main hallway.

Armand looked at me.

“Ready?”

“As ready as I'm going to be.”

We headed out.

Hamad was waiting for us.

He had personally come to help load our luggage into his vehicle. The moment I saw it, I recognized the crest on the flags and the license plates. It was unmistakably his personal vehicle. Roger looked at it.

“Well, that should make us inconspicuous.”

I laughed.

“Nothing says inconspicuous quite like the king's vehicle.”

Hamad grinned.

“It is the fastest way.”

He helped load the bags. I approached the front passenger door. Then I stopped. I looked at Armand.

“Switch with me.”

He blinked.

“Ma'am?”

“You're sitting up front.”

He immediately understood.

“You want me in front of you?”

“I want you actively in charge of my security.”

He nodded.

“Understood.”

I moved toward the back.

Before I got in, I looked at Hamad.

“Do you have someone from your security detail with you?”

“No.”

I frowned.

“You're driving without security?”

“I called the local police.”

“And?”

“The roads will be cleared.”

He pointed toward the airport.

“The airport is expecting us.”

I nodded.

“Thank you.”

Hamad closed his door. We all got in. The second the last door closed, Hamad hit the accelerator. The vehicle surged forward. Roger grabbed the handle above the door.

“Okay!”

I laughed.

“Hamad!”

“Yes?”

“You weren't kidding about getting us there quickly.”

“I told you.”

Ronan looked at his watch.

“This usually takes twenty to thirty minutes.”

Hamad smiled.

“Not today.”

The palace disappeared behind us. The streets blurred past. We made it to the airport in roughly ten minutes. By the time we reached the tarmac and Hamad brought the vehicle to a stop, twelve minutes had passed. Everyone piled out. Hamad immediately began helping with the luggage. He reached for one of the bags and stopped. He looked at it. Then he looked at me.

“Is this my wife's bag?”

“Yes.”

He smiled.

“She gave you clothes?”

I laughed.

“Yes.”

He shook his head affectionately.

“She does this constantly.”

“She was very generous.”

“That is one of the many things I love about her.”

He lifted the bag.

“She cannot help herself.”

“I think that's part of what makes her wonderful.”

Hamad smiled.

“I agree.”

Armand approached him first.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

They shook hands. Roger stepped forward.

“Thank you for everything.”

Another handshake. Joel followed.

“Thank you.”

Ronan shook Hamad's hand last. I stood there for a moment. Then I stepped forward and simply hugged him. Hamad froze. It took him completely by surprise. He clearly wasn't accustomed to being hugged by a woman who wasn't a relative. After a brief hesitation, he carefully returned the hug. We separated. He looked at me with a small smile.

“That was unexpected.”

I smiled.

“You're my friend.”

His expression softened.

“Thank you.”

He paused.

“Let me know when you land back in Canada.”

“I will.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

He opened his arms again. This time the hug was less tentative. I hugged him back. When we separated, he looked at all of us.

“Take care of one another.”

Armand nodded.

“We will.”

Hamad turned toward me.

“And you.”

I smiled.

“I'll be fine.”

“I hope so.”

He looked at the aircraft.

“Go.”

I nodded.

“Goodbye, Hamad.”

“Goodbye, my friend.”

He stepped back.

We gathered our belongings and began walking toward the aircraft. Hamad remained standing beside his vehicle, watching until we were safely moving toward the plane.

I turned once more. He lifted his hand. I lifted mine. Then we continued forward.

When we got to the gangplank for the plane, there were two Customs agents waiting for us.

“Passports, please,” one of the Customs agents said.

Armand and Roger stepped forward and handed their passports to the agents. The agents checked both passports, verified their identities, stamped them, and handed them back.

“Thank you,” Armand said as he slipped his passport away.

Roger gave the agent a brief nod. “Thank you.”

Joel and Ronan stepped forward together next and handed their passports to the agents. The agents checked both passports, verified their identities, stamped them, and handed them back.

“Thank you,” Joel said.

Ronan tucked his passport away. “Appreciate it.”

I was the last one. I stepped forward by myself and handed my passport to one of the Customs agents. He checked it, verified my identity, stamped it, and handed it back to me.

“Thank you.”

I put my passport safely away. We were able to board the plane moments later. Thankfully, we had the same flight attendants that we had yesterday. Amber saw me as I entered the cabin and smiled.

“Welcome back. It’s good to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too, Amber. I was hoping we’d have the same crew.”

“As I was hoping to hear about your trip. I wanted to hear how everything went.”

I smiled. “That’s a rather long story.”

“I have time.”

“I may take you up on that.”

She stepped a little closer and lowered her voice.

“I do have some good news for you. You guys are the only passengers on the flight, but there are so few people aboard that you can sit wherever you like.”

I looked around the nearly empty cabin.

“That sounds wonderful.”

“It should make for a much quieter flight.”

“I certainly won't complain about that.”

Amber hesitated.

“There's one thing I should clarify.”

I looked at her.

“Go ahead.”

“I just remembered that we have someone else on flight.”

I raised an eyebrow.

“I thought you just said that we were the only ones aboard.”

“You guys are the only passengers but I simply forgot to mention one rather significant passenger.”

I gave her a knowing look.

“Who?”

“Prince Khalid.”

I stared at her for a moment.

“Prince Khalid?”

“Yes.”

“The Prince Khalid?”

“Yes, Prince Khalid,” Amber said.

I slowly covered my face with one hand.

“You have got to be kidding me.”

“I wish I were.”

I lowered my hand and looked at her.

“Why is Prince Khalid on the plane?”

“The king ordered it.”

“Of course he did.”

Amber tried not to laugh.

“He also gave us a rather unusual instruction.”

“I'm almost afraid to ask.”

“He wants Khalid to remain with your leftover food.”

“My leftover food?”

“Yes.”

I let out a quiet laugh.

“I’m sorry. I’m trying to process this.”

“I had much the same reaction when I was told.”

“Why Khalid?”

“I honestly couldn't tell you. I was simply informed that the king wanted him here and that he was to keep an eye on the food.”

I shook my head.

“Apparently His Majesty has decided that my leftovers require royal protection.”

Amber smiled.

“That would appear to be the situation.”

I glanced toward the cabin.

“Does he understand what this is going to look like when we land?”

Amber's expression became more serious.

“I hadn't thought about that.”

“I have.”

I rubbed my forehead.

“When we land, we are probably going to be accused of kidnapping a prince of the realm and a sheikh.”

Amber's eyebrows rose.

“You think so?”

“I can already imagine the questions.”

She looked toward the forward section of the aircraft.

“I suppose it could raise some eyebrows.”

“Khalid isn't simply a member of the royal family. He has government and military responsibilities as well.”

Amber nodded slowly.

“I see your concern.”

“I'd rather avoid creating an international incident over a misunderstanding.”

“Then perhaps you should speak with the king.”

“That is exactly what I'm going to do.”

I stepped aside and pulled out my phone.

“Give me a moment.”

Amber nodded.

“Of course.”

I called Hamad.

He answered.

“Hello, Deppgrl. Is everything ok?”

“Hamad, I’ve just been informed that Khalid is aboard my aircraft.”

“Yes.”

“I assume that was intentional.”

“It was.”

“Would you mind explaining why?”

“He is accompanying you.”

“I understand that part. What concerns me is what happens when we land.”

“He will be fine.”

“That isn't quite the reassurance I was looking for.”

Hamad chuckled.

“He will not physically leave the aircraft.”

I paused.

“He won't?”

“No.”

“And you are comfortable with that arrangement?”

“Yes.”

I looked toward Amber, then back down at the floor.

“Hamad, you realize what this could look like to Canadian officials.”

“I do.”

“They're going to see a Bahraini prince arriving on an aircraft with me and wonder why he is here.”

“They may ask.”

“And what am I supposed to tell them?”

“The truth.”

I smiled despite myself.

“Which is?”

“That he is accompanying you and will remain aboard the aircraft.”

I sighed.

“All right.”

“He also has his passport.”

I stopped.

“He does?”

“Yes.”

“Good. That was going to be my next question.”

“He has it with him in case it is required.”

“That makes me feel considerably better.”

“You worry too much.”

“I worry the appropriate amount.”

Hamad laughed.

“Perhaps.”

I smiled.

“Thank you for explaining it.”

“You're welcome.”

“I'll see you soon, friend..”

“You will. I will be visiting in the nest year.”

We ended the call.

I slipped my phone back into my pocket and returned to Amber.

“He'll remain on the aircraft, and he has his passport with him.”

Amber nodded.

“That certainly makes things easier.”

“That's what I'm hoping.”

She gestured toward the front of the cabin.

“He's up there.”

“I suppose I should go say hi.”

Amber smiled.

I walked toward the front of the aircraft. Khalid looked up as I approached.

“There you are.”

“I've just gotten off the phone with your dad. Apparently, you’re here to guard my leftovers?”

He smiled.

“I am.”

“Why?”

“He doesn’t trust cabin crew that he hasn’t hired himself.”

“Good.”

I shook my head.

“Of all the responsibilities you've been given, this one must rank somewhere near the top of the unusual list.”

“I would say that's a fair assessment.”

“You do realize you're a prince, a sheikh, and you have government and military responsibilities.”

“I am aware.”

“And today you're guarding frozen food.”

He smiled.

“Apparently the food is important.”

“It must be extraordinarily important.”

“My father seemed to think so.”

I laughed.

“Well, I appreciate your dedication. Thank you.”

“You're welcome.”

“I just hope nobody decides to make this more complicated than it needs to be.”

Khalid nodded.

“I have no intention of leaving the aircraft.”

“Good.”

“And I have my passport.”

“I've been told.”

He smiled.

“Then I believe we're covered.”

“I hope so.”

I looked back toward the cabin.

“Well, it looks like we all need to find a seat. Is there a jump seat in here?”

“There is,” he said as he released the latch.

“I’ll go find a seat,” I said as I left him.

We all found our seats all spread out. Amber entered into the computer which row we were taking up just in case there was an emergency. Once that was taken care of, she came around.”

“Can I get your drink order before we take off? Once we’re at altitude, we’ll pass out the drinks.”

“Just a big bottle of cold water, please,” I said. She headed towards Armand, Roger, Joel and Ronan to get their drink orders as well.

I settled into my seat and looked around the nearly empty aircraft. Then I glanced toward Khalid. I knew that once we were at altitude that I would have to talk to him about ending our physical relationship. I knew he wouldn’t like the decision but I knew he would respect it and we would remain friends.