Page 19 of At the Sheikh's Command
She rubbed her hands together, trying to contain her excitement. Thanks to Darrius, she had the full attention of everyone who could help her locate the diamond and, in so doing, would give her a place in the history books, and a secure position at the university and her independence.
“There is every reason to suppose he means the whereabouts of the diamond. I’ve worked with two of my colleagues at the college, combining our research areas and we’ve come up with three hypotheses. My research suggests the elevated place means the mountains. And the place I have in mind fits with the interpretation of heaven as the gardens under which rivers flow. It all leads me to believe that he ensured the diamond stayed in Sifra.”
“Really?” There was a shocked murmur around the room. “But where?”
She sat back, barely able to hide her sense of triumph. “Back where it originally belonged, where the country began. In the old palace at Qasr Jabal. I went there once, years ago, and I believe it’s hidden there.” She paused and saw she had everyone’s attention. “Eye of heaven.” She repeated Lord Gleave’s words. “The gardens are designed with a central eye.”
“You believe it’s there?”
She had to be honest. “I don’t know for sure. But it’s as good a place as any to look. And I intend to have a very good look.”
The museum director inclined his head thoughtfully. “It is true, Dr. Cooper, that you are an expert on aspects of our culture, but I’m afraid we cannot allow you to travel there alone. It’s against protocol. I agree your argument is compelling and so I will arrange for some of my staff to accompany you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” said Darrius smoothly. “I will escort Dr. Cooper on this trip. It’s about time I paid a visit to the home of my ancestors.”
Leonora noticed the museum director’s eyebrow raise briefly in surprise and wasn’t sure if he believed Darrius’s excuse. It didn’t help that she blushed. But it didn’t matter. What the king wanted, the king got.
“In that case, Your Highness, I give your research trip my blessing. I hope it will be fruitful.”
Darrius rose. “I trust you will afford Dr. Cooper any assistance she requires on her return. And she, in return”—he shot her a meaningful look—“will keep you up to date with any discoveries she makes.”
There was much nodding and bowing and scraping as she and Darrius left the museum and got into the waiting car.
“Thank you, Darrius. I appreciate your help in getting their support.”
He shrugged. “If you have my support, you have their support.”
“Then I thank you for your support.”
“You’re welcome.” His gaze lingered a few moments before he looked away.
She bit her lip nervously. She had to know. “Can I ask why you’ve given it? Is it because… we’ve been intimate?”
He smiled. “No, it is not. You want to know why I support your research endeavors?”
“I do.”
“Because,habibti,I believe in you.”
She couldn’t remember when he’d taken her hand in his. But suddenly her hand was wrapped in his large hand and it felt so right when he squeezed it, to emphasize exactly how much he believed in her.
“Even after…” She swallowed back the emotion. “After I left Sifra and returned to England?”
His gaze was steady. “Even after that. Because I know you had good reason. I just need to discover what that reason was.”
“You know… I left you a letter.”
His puzzled frown confirmed her suspicions. He hadn’t received it.
“What letter?”
She shook her head in disbelief. “I’d left it with Ammar. I thought…”
“He could be trusted?” He shook his head. “He worked for my parents and would have taken it straight to them. What did it say?”
“Just that circumstances were such that I could no longer stay.”
“How vague. It would have raised more questions than answers. It doesn’t sound as if I missed anything by not receiving your letter. I would still have not known the real reasons you left.”
