Page 30 of Her Desert King

The sheikh’s face became serious. “That, I am sorry to say, must be temporarily put on hold. Your first year as queen will be busy, but after that, I will be more than happy to support you in continuing with your studies in one of our universities.” Khalil paused. “I am sorry for this, Harper. I know how much it means to you.”

“It’s only a temporary delay, so I’ll survive.” But she couldn’t quite meet his eyes as she spoke. She had always thought her studies meant everything to her, but now it was slowly becoming evident to Harper that they had been only there to fill a void. Given a choice between furthering her studies and being a good queen, she would have unhesitatingly chosen the latter—-

And that made her uneasy.

Forcing her attention back on the sheikh, Harper realized that he was now discussing the possibility of children, and her heart skipped a beat.A child,she thought dizzily. She had never thought of having kids. She had never even thought of other men, beyond crushing on the sheikh. But now that he had mentioned it –

“You are fine with this?”

“It would be nice,” she heard herself say cautiously.

“I am glad to hear that.”And now, Khalil thought,there was only one last thing to say. No doubt the most important to Harper, but also the most difficult, even possibly a deal breaker.

The sheikh took a deep breath. “There is one last thing that will be expected of you, and which unfortunately I have no time to repeal.”

“Repeal?” Harper was confused. “It’s a law that concerns me then?”

“A law that concerns you as my future queen, yes.” The sheikh’s tone was heavy.

Harper didn’t like the way the sheikh was talking. “You’re scaring me.”

“It’s nothing to be scared about,” Khalil said right away. “But it is also highly unorthodox.”

“Just spit it out,” Harper muttered.

“Very well.” And so he did.

Harper flew to her feet in shock. “Are you serious?”

“Unfortunately, itisthe law, has been so for hundreds of years. I have already taken the steps to repeal it, but I do not believe it will be abolished before our wedding.”

So he was serious, Harper realized with a gulp. “I don’t think...”

“I promise you, Harper. I will take care of you, and I give you my word that you will have nothing to worry about.”

Chapter Seven

---