"Not as being tracked. If you ever get lost, we can find you. It's more about your safety."

"If you say so," eyeing him, not so sure about that. Looking around, nothing seems to stand out of place. "Are we being tracked in here?"

"Yes, for my protection." She focused back on Khayri. The camera would love him. She could watch him all day long. Maybe she could get a job as part of his security so she could just watch him, shaking herself mentally. Never going to happen.

"Doesn't that bother you, being watched every minute of the day?"

"You get used to it. Would you even notice it if you didn't know?"

"No, can't see a thing. So if you are being watched all the time, you can't misbehave in here, can you?" she asked, yet here she was sitting on his lap, conscious of the facts. 

She eased off his lap and clutched at her arms. His head tilted sideways, eyeing her off. "Misbehave? What does that mean? Do you expect me to strip naked and run amok?" Heat flooded her cheeks. "Like you," he asked.

"That could be interesting," she noted and headed for the large arched windows behind. She looked across the palace grounds, that went as far as the eye could see, before hitting the coast edge where land met sea.

"And also possible," startled she jerked around, stepping back since he was directly behind her. He reached out to steady her.

"Sorry?"

"I also have control of everything in the palace and shut down the camera in here. Also can lock down the room if under threat."

"Are you supposed to tell me all this?" she asked in a lowered voice.

"Do I have something to worry about?" She turned to look back out the window, warming as his hand rested on her shoulders and eased back against him, closing her eyes, absorbing him.

"Not a thing. Do you ever feel like you live in a fishbowl, everyone peering in and watching you?"

"It's a very large fishbowl, open your eyes," that she did, glancing sideways as his cheek touched her, the warmth and roughness of stubble against her soft skin, yet it made her feel so alive. "Very few people see inside these walls. Before long, you will not notice. This will seem natural as breathing."

She peered up at him. "You might have a very large fishbowl, but what about out there?" She pointed out the window. "Can you leave it to be out there that isn't your magnificent landscaped grounds?"

"Did I not walk around the souks with you? Did I not ride a water taxi?"

"True, but did they know who you were without your fancy car and flags announcing to the world, hello, royalty?" She straightened, twisting around more towards him, facing him. "Those flags were yours, not Dubai's."

"Yes, I was representing my country."

"Don't you have people for that? Diplomats?" Sudden concern flowed through her, clenching her heart, and at his arms. "You were putting your life at risk."

"No, I wasn't, and it was a meeting of delegates, which we have often. We have a close relationship with neighbouring countries."

"Hmm," her lips pursed. "That would make a wonderful storyline."

A sigh expelled from him. "Let me guess, Walker?" Her eyes narrowed. "Sorry Agent Cobra. Maybe you need to write it," he suggested, to get splattered with laughter.

"You've got to be kidding. Me, write? What would I know about such things?"

"Says the one who nearly took out the bag snatcher."

She shrugged helplessly. "What can I say? It's all there in the books, how to protect yourself."

Concern entered his dark eyes. "I hope you haven't tried arm-to-arm combat, material arts?"

"Me," she laughed. "However, can do the heel to the nose, eye gorging, that one is gross." Her face screwed up.

He gulped. "I hope you haven't been trying them out."

"Only on poor Teddy."

"Teddy? Do I have to worry about my staff?"

She eased back, shaking her head. "No, just big teddy bears. Do you have any? Those ninjas love doing surprise attacks, sneaking up behind unheard," she giggled. "It's sound silly, but it was fun, especially after reading..."

"Cobra, so you were training to be some sort of super spy for whom?" he asked, amused, the concern leaving him.

"Just be happy you're not a Teddy." she shifted out of his hold, jumping into a pose, hands ready. "One chop and down you go."

Reaching out, he covered her hands and lowered them. "Yes, good thing," he agreed, turning away, going back to the desk, and settling back in his chair.

Nikki stayed in the background by the windows, though smiled as Hussein entered. He did say Hussein had free rein, yet the door had been locked, meaning he had released it somehow. Curiosity piqued, she wandered across to his desk, standing beside his chair, eyeing off the desk. So how?

She turned to lean against the desk and ran her fingers under the open part of the desk where his legs were and tried not to touch. He rolled in closer, his leg pressing her hand hard against the underside of the desk.

"Ouch," she noted with a pout, waving her hand.

"Leave it," he warned. "Sorry, I'm needed."

"Of course, you are," shifting off the desk, and walked away ready to leave, paused and looked over her shoulder.

"Nikki," Khayri sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Do you know your way back?" she shrugged. This was the first time here and needed to get a feel of the place. "Hussein will take you back."

"I want to explore," she said hopefully.

"Start in the wing. You have full access to the area. I need to set up the rest of the palace. Hussein will see to that. Just need a face scan and palm print."

"Oooh sounds very spyish," she said, to be ignored.

"If I can, and you allow it, I would like to join you for dinner."

She smiled. "Anytime, you don't have to ask. Just let those in charge know. And if you can't, I do understand, ruling head."

"That is you." Her in charge, she liked the sound of that. Finally having some control in her life, like making all this happen, being in the Middle East.

She nodded, turning towards Hussein. "Shall we?" who looked at Khayri, she followed with her eyes. She keeps forgetting he was the one in charge. Of an entire country, and he had taken her under his wing. Under that hard exterior was one big soft teddy bear.

"In a minute," focusing on Nikki. "Do you mind waiting in the outer office?"

"Okay," happily she left the office entering the outer office that was a buzz with activity, many working at desks, heads down, a mixture of men and women, so approached a woman busy at her computer, who looked up.

"Hello, I'm Nikki."

"We know who you are, Miss Nikki," the woman answered, giving her full attention.

"And you are?" to be told Mrs Nina. "Nice to meet you, Mrs Nina, um, is there anywhere I can wait without disturbing anyone? I know how busy you all are."

"I can take you to the visitor's lounge," Nina offered.

"Just point me in the right direction. I don't want to take you away."

"Just out the door, turn left, and it's third on your left."

"Thank you." She headed out, turned left and looked up and down the marble floor corridor, the detailed ceiling, with subtle tints of colour, so not stark with whiteness touching the texture of the walls. Not quite as smooth as she expected.

"Ready Nikki?" She spun around at Hussein's voice, breaking out into a smile. "Let's get you fixed up first before we go back to your wing."

"You mean I have a wing to myself, not just a suite?"

"Yes. Shall we?" Together they headed off in a different direction through a maze of corridors and stairs.

"How does one not get lost? I will need floor plans to survive this."

"It can be arranged," Hussein offered. 

She had been kidding, but she might need it by the sheer size of the palace and this was just a small section of it, ending up in a security section, where her face was scanned, prints were taken with her palm, trying to take in the room full of computer screens, people all around at desks watching screens.

The heartbeat of the palace.

"Is this for real?" she asked Hussein when it was done and leaving.

"For your safety and the others in these walls."

"Especially one that needs more than most. I'm glad he has you to look after him. So, back to my rooms? I can explore?"

"Yes, but not too far until you get your bearings. Tie something to the bannister as a starting point will also help."

"And a layout on my phone would be brilliant. Is it possible for me to be connected to the internet?"

"I will look into it and let you know. Anything else you need?"

"No, that's all. I need to let my family know I'm safe, well, still in Dubai, having a good time."

Hussein frowned down at her. "What do you mean? It is unwise to let anyone know where you are. You here so they don't know, whoever it is, causing mischief."

"That is why I need to put pictures up on Instagram of my trip. I have enough photos to keep them happy. It was my way of letting them know I was alright, and not to come running to my rescue. I haven't put anything up since the desert incident." She finger quoted 'incident.'

"Maybe I can help you with that. Hold on, I won't be a second." He headed back into the security room, coming out with a laptop while speaking on the phone that he shut down. "I think we can overcome such issues. And get you up on the internet without using your phone. We need you to stay off your phone. We can't have you leaving any fingerprints that you're here. A phone signal can be traced."

Her eyes widened. "You don't think my phone's been tracked, so they knew where I was? How could they do that?"

"It's a lot easier than you think. While using this, it can't be traced back to you."

She gulped. "My knowledge of that," she waved at the laptop, "is limited."

"You've never used or owned a computer?" She paled in front of his eyes, feeling stupid. "Never mind, I'm sure you will catch on fast. I will show you what you need to know, and set it up for you."

"You would? Now? The sooner I get this done, the better. I have plenty of time to explore."

"Sure, why not?" Together they headed back to her rooms, where she organised refreshments and something to eat, while Hussein set up the laptop, and had it ready to go, in no time, where she put in a password.

She had used one in school years ago, but never had one of her own, and with the newest window that looked so different from the one she had used, where Hussein connected her phone to the computer, and added the photos so they were at her fingertips, rearing to go.

In no time she was online, on Instagram and added photos of the desert with the tag back in Dubai with the photo with wings of Mexico, and Hussy on the wings. And she had followers, everyone commenting especially on Hussy who had his fans. She had only started Instragma on the phone through an app for Vincent, never expecting anyone to be interested in her and her travels.

Maybe she could set up one for Hussy.

Instagram had worked, where Vincent left a message on board about not being able to contact her via the phone, saying she had shut down the roaming thingy to save money. They would talk through Instagram, when she had wi-fi, not giving him a choice and would never make an issue of it online. 

Now she had a laptop with the Internet, she only used the phone as a camera.

She took photos as she explored the palace, and put on flight mode shut everything down. And she got her bearing a lot easier than she had thought, finding her way to Khayri's office without an issue.

Like now, with a fresh cup of coffee in her hand, and headed for his office, where no one dared try to stop her or question her appearance, the door opened as she stood under the security camera built into the light above.

Entering Khayri's office, she grabbed the printed papers, sitting in the printer's tray on top of the cabinet against the back wall, on the way to carry over to the desk and placed both down. Khayri, deep in what he was doing, typing away, didn't notice her, which didn't surprise her.

Who ever noticed her?

His hand shot up, removing his glasses that suited him, looking at her startled. "Nikki." His eyes dropped to the papers that he gathered and shoved into the top drawer. Then hit the sleep key on his keyboard. "What are you doing here?"

"Just bringing your coffee," she offered with a smile. "Don't worry, I would never look at your private papers, any papers. Would you want something with your coffee?"

"No thank you, this is fine. I know you wouldn't but they are confidential," claiming his coffee as he stood stretching his shoulders. "So where did Hussein take you?"

"Ah, about that, he was called away. Nothing to worry about," she reassured as his brows furrowed. "I explored the gardens. They are so beautiful."

Leaning against the desk, he crossed his arms. "Good. I rather take you out myself. Alas, I have deadlines. Once done, I will take you out to see my city."

"Fine. I won't keep you," she turned to leave.

"Nikki, you don't have to leave. I am allowed a break. I know this has been hard for you, but it is for..."

She held up her hand and stopped him. "I know for my own good. I'm not sure Vincent would agree with you."

He held out his hand, calling to her, placing down his cup of coffee, and she closed the distance to have his arm go around her, placing a kiss on top of her head. "Until I know you are perfectly safe, you are not going anywhere. If I have to, I will talk to your guardian."

She nestled in closer against him. "Probably best if you don't. I still have a few days up my sleeve before I need to go home."

"Not back to Dubai? What about your dream to follow in his footsteps?"

She looked up at him and smiled. "I think I had enough of that adventure. As for the helicopter, and shooting at us, do you think they would be shooting at someone like me? After all, you are royalty."

"That might be true, also doesn't explain the other incidents. You have a target on your back. Here, under my household, you will be kept safe. I cannot do that in Dubai. You can still taste the Middle East from here." 

That was true. Leaving him to his work shortly after.

And she did.

Like spending the most wonderful day at the stables, visiting the horses and camels with two different racing courses, all within the palace walls, with the best trainers in the world that she often did, like now.

The stables were better than most stables in Australia, having no idea what to compare to in the Middle East, where she got up and personal with the camels, loving their attitudes and a permanent smirk on their lips.

Once she bought Hussy, hoping to get acquainted until one tried to bite him, so brought treats instead, handing over the last one. 

Then she headed back to her rooms where she showered and changed into a loose caftan of light blues patterned through white, with sequence, giving plenty of room to move and get away without a bra that felt liberating.

Heading out of the bedroom, looking forward to the afternoon tea and favourite treats she'd discovered in Dubai. That brought back memories of her trip to the souks with Khayri, unable to compare with anything else that had brought her so much happiness.

Apart from the day with Hussein. Two friends enjoying each other's company.

She's discovering something wonderful and everyone was so helpful, couldn't do enough for her, determined to meet all the staff, always spending time with them, wanting to know who they were, about their home, nothing too personal. She had learnt that yet was fascinated and they soon opened up. 

The familiar faces she knew by their first name and greeted them with warm smiles, that were given back.

Behind their reserved nature, they were real people with feelings and families and were so good to her. If she got lost, or turned around, which didn't happen as much now she got her bearings, they showed her the way back. 

She had broadened her exploration of the beautiful palace filled with Islamic architecture and arabesque decoration with rhythmic linear patterns of scrolling interlacing foliage, tendrils or plain lines, often combined with other elements.

A part of their history throughout the Middle East.

Also the marble, high ceilings, some domed, depending where one was, and spectacular chandeliers. At first, she was intimidated by it all, but once you got used to it, and remembered it was also a home to many. She appreciated the beauty on offer. The symmetric design throughout was stunning, but also mindblowing.

Discovering the secret treasure of many courtyards, each different, and also discovered a pool in a larger area with a palm garden that she did enjoy. 

Most nights she spent with Khayri who was usually tied up during the day with palace business or out in the streets visiting sites. He was personally involved with his people and city, even out of city limits, promising to take her one day if she was up for it.

She would welcome it with open arms. 

There were a few who were aloof that she could understand, from a different culture and way of Westerners. How they were perceived, just as the West perceived the East.

As far as she had seen how they were treated in the palace by their ruler, they were greatly misjudged. Often when together walking through the palace Khayri stopped and talked to staff and asked after their families. Knew everything that was happening between the walls, offering help when needed, even if it had nothing to do with the palace.

As she found out later. 

They mostly spoke in Arabic, especially since it was personal, and made them more comfortable, reading their body language. They relaxed once he went to their native tongue, too aware of her. That she loved listening to, with a soft rolling off the tongue. 

He never went into great detail afterwards with her. 

He offered to help. That didn't mean they would take it.

Nikki had a feeling if declined, Khayri would have made sure the support was there, making her love him more, and growing every time she was with him. Also knew no matter how she felt it didn't change the situation he would only marry a princess.

Something she wasn't, yet clung onto those special moments they shared.

The way he looked at her, listened to her, touched her, nothing untoward. Her shoulder, an arm, sometimes the small of her back, as he guided her into a room, loving his touch, branding her as if she belonged to him. 

Even if different parts of her body ached for his touch, burning heat in her belly.

Nothing she would expect from him. He was far too respectable, yet loved those stolen moments. She would keep it close to her heart when she headed home. Even if not quite what she had expected and not in Dubai, she wouldn't change this for anything. 

Seated in front of the window, looking across a different courtyard, with tea and pastry treats.

Cobra had vanished into the background when he had occupied her mind ever since she had planned this trip. He had done his job by introducing her to his country, opening her eyes to possibilities, taking a sip of tea, and smiling.

That broadened when Lina entered, followed by others. Her smile faded as portable racks of clothes followed, rack after rack, staring at them, her heart jerking in a tight chest, bringing back what she wanted to escape from.

No, no, no, she didn't want to choose from racks like this. She needed to go shopping in real shops. She couldn't do this again, standing placing down the cup with a shaking hand, and looking at Lina. 

"Please take them back, I don't want them." She didn't want to sound ungrateful. She had thought better of Khayri than this. 

He always asked her options and her permission before doing anything.

Lina's face fell, and eyes grew wary, hands twisting together.

"The Sheikh organised this."

"Yes, I do know that, no matter what his reason, I can't accept it. Please take them away." Losing her appetite, she heads towards the other section with the rooms. "Please make sure they are gone before I come back."

Then disappeared, heading straight for the courtyard, where she found a quiet corner, out of sight, hidden under the trees. Out of the open area, or the sitting end, to settle on the tiled floor, drawing up her legs to hug against her chest, as she fought back the tears.

Fighting against the walls closing in on her, of losing control, when she finally found freedom, even if inside a palace, she'd felt free. Until now, finding it hard to breathe. Burying her face into her knees, closing her eyes, heart racing, taking deep slow breaths.

"Nikki?" Her arms tightened around her knees, refusing to look up, even when she felt him settle down at her side where his arms went around her, and held her against his side. "What did I do wrong, Nikki? Talk to me. How can I understand if you don't tell me?"

Warily she lifted her head, peering up at him, searching his face, seeing only concern, eyes questioning, not annoyed or angry. Sighing, she rested her face back on her knees, chin trembling. Gently, he caressed a hand over her hair, pulling it down over her shoulder.

"You did nothing wrong," she said in a small voice, knowing he had done it out of the goodness of his heart. "I just wish you hadn't. It's too much, far too much."

"And caused you to run off and end up here like this? No, there has to be something more than that. I only wanted you to choose a dress that was suitable for tomorrow, instead of choosing one for you."

Her head popped up, blinking at him. "Really?" She hadn't looked at them, just saw the racks, and brought it all back.

"Yes," caressing a finger down her cheek, then spread his hand across her cheek. "Talk to me, Nikki. I want to understand."

She released a long breath, drawn to him where she found herself against him, his hand threaded through her hair, cradling her head against his shoulder, his head lowered closer to hers, placing a hand on his chest, where he lowered his legs, shifting her onto his lap.

Taking a deep breath, then expelled. 

He had a right to know about her overreaction when all he had been doing looking after her needs, and so had Vincent, yet there was a huge difference. "I wanted to choose and buy my clothes from a shop, not like this. I have had this all my life, the shops were brought to me. A certain style that was suitable to fit into his life."

Khayri's breath sucked in sharply, his hand stroking her back. "I... I will take you shopping. I won't make that mistake again."

"No," she eased back, searching, seeing his pain. "No, it's alright." Remembering how she felt at the resort. The clothes he had chosen for her so she wouldn't feel out of place, for the dinner and he had done it again, same reason.

Vincent was more about control with everything she wore.

Not once had he let her go off shopping by herself, barely remembering a time when she was younger, hitting the malls with friends from school who disappeared until she was alone in the house with her books.

"Did you have to bring in so much?" The others had been in bags. The racks had been what Vincent had organised, when all she wanted to do was go shopping like everyone else, being in the crowd, like in the souk.

What she had bought had been all about her.

The clothes she had brought with her had been the best choices from her wardrobe. He was quite correct. How could she go shopping in the first place without suitable clothes to hit the city? suddenly felt excited.

To leave the palace, walking the streets, mingling with his people.

"I wanted you to have a choice," he said.

"Of course you did. Sorry, it just brought back the memories, a life I don't want anymore."

"No one should have that much control over your life, habibti," he said, brushing soft hair from the side of her face, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.

"He meant well, as my guardian, but I want more now. I want my own life. Are we going to be walking the streets? Looking around?"

"Yes, we will do all that, and I quite often walk the streets, but you must realise you can't go alone. There will be others." Soberly she nodded.

"I understand that, and I'm sorry if I insulted your generosity."