GIVEN TO THE PRINCE

Part 6

"And you? This woman is acceptable to you?" Califar stared at Rashid, baffled.

"Yes. I will take his daughter, Victoria, as my wife." 

Rashid watched as Califar left his seat and walked to the table laid with tea and cakes. He kept silent while Califar appeared to examine the tea urn. Then without capturing more of the sweet cakes, his friend returned to his seat. 

"What if she is not of a mind to take you? I understand Western women control their own destiny, even married ones." 

The cynicism of Califar's remark scraped the raw edges of Rashid's own doubts, kicking his heart against his chest as his nostrils flared. "She will learn our ways in time." 

"This is unexpected, Rashid. You have always measured your decisions with prudence and forethought. Do you think a foreign wife, especially an American, is in your best interest or Ahalamin's? This could be a great disturbance." 

Rashid drew his brows together in annoyance at Califar's deductions and snapped a question of his own. "Do you think I am not equal to the task?" 

Califar rose and approached him. Rashid rose as well. They stared at one another, each taking the other's measure. Rashid thought about how many times in years past he had stood in a similar way, a headstrong boy struggling to fill the role to which he had been born. Califar, ten years his senior, being ever diligent in filling the void of father, counselor, and friend. 

"I understand better what has been preoccupying you as of late," said Califar.

 Califar's voice was calm, but Rashid detected a hint of censure along its edges. "And what do you think you understand?"

 "I have seen you enjoy the company of many females, Rashid, but never have I seen one who could undermine your responsibility. You have been reluctant to carry out your obligation to the men in this camp because your focus is divided. When one woman has this much influence, disruption is sure to follow. How do you expect your people to deal with this foreign woman, if you cannot do so with proper control?" 

Rashid clenched his fists. He could taste the anger on his tongue, sharp with the bite of acid. Because of their friendship he often accorded Califar liberties he would not permit another man. But he was no longer a boy, and Califar needed to accept that fact. 

"As your prince, I have no need to explain my decisions. As your friend, I will overlook your lack of restraint. The significant point is this; I have acquired the lands important to my people and a wife to give me sons. Have you not given me constant reminders of my duty in this area since my thirtieth year?" 

"I don't remember suggesting an American. How long have you known this woman?" Califar shook his head in confused denial.

"Long enough," Rashid replied, his words salted with an insolence seldom directed toward his friend.

"Are you in lust or love? The first is easily managed; the second could have far-reaching consequences." 

Rashid cast a warning glance at Califar. "You go too far. My actions have never been subject to anyone's will but my own. All I require of you and my people is loyalty and patience. Victoria will need time to make a few adjustments before settling into her new life." 

"As will you. Let us hope that in this you can be equally decisive. Now, I'll take my leave, my Lord, unless there is more you wish to discuss?" 

"No, there is nothing," Rashid said as he clenched his mouth tighter.

He stared at Califar's stiff back as he exited the tent. Having his judgment questioned was bad enough, but Califar's disapproval scalded his pride. 

He had expected Victoria would cause him some problems, just not so quickly. No matter, they would soon be married. He could then return his full attention to Ahalamin's interests, settling any question Califar or anyone else had about his attention to duty and obligation. 

He sank onto the cedar bench beside his sleeping cot. Resting his elbows on his knees, he dropped his head into his hands and worked his thumbs in a circular motion across his temples. This gnawing insecurity had not plagued him since he had assumed leadership of Ahalamin at the age of fifteen. In the eighteen years since then, he had realized his ambition to be a prince his nation could respect and trust. Had he done the right thing for his country? Would a foreign wife disturb the tranquility his people now enjoyed? Judging by his state-of-mind, the answer was not good. 

The drone of an approaching helicopter signaled his time for reflection and doubt were at an end. As a man, he had given his word to the woman's father. As a prince, he had made a choice for himself and his people. Whatever resulted from his decision would have to be lived with. 

A twinge of anticipation tunneled its way around his anger. In truth, what worried his mind and troubled his conscience...set his heart ablaze. 

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