Khayri lifted a leg that she lent against, wrapping an arm around as she shifted off his leg between them, onto the tiled floor. That was hard, and she forced their ruler to sit on the ground. Not even Vincent wouldn't have done that, placing her chin on his knee.

"I thought you were out for the day?"

"Now I'm back, and free. Shall we see what they have brought in for you?" Her eyes widened.

"You didn't choose anything?"

"No, I just asked for a selection for you to choose from."

"A selection, perhaps next time be more precise about how many?"

"I was."

"Bring in the whole shop?" she dared, feeling very silly now.

He smiled. "Not quite. There had to be a reasonable amount. The rest would go back."

Relief washed through her.

"Good, or I'd never have to buy another outfit again with that lot. And there is no way I can take that lot home." She shifted and eased away to stand, tucking hair behind her ear. Slowly he rose to his feet, to stand over her, tilting her face towards him, finger under her chin.

"Yes, you can and will, even if I have to ship them back."

There it was, the proof she needed that she was going home.

"Thank you."

What else can she say that she wanted to stay?

Together, they headed back to a very nervous Lina, where Nikki raced across and hugged her. "I'm sorry, I panicked."

"The dresses?" she asked nervously, as Nikki stepped back

"All fine. Shall we see what's on offer?"

Noticing the dresses were still there and everyone else had departed, looking across to where Khayri had settled on the sofa. "First, you could order some refreshments, the usual." And went to join him.

"Are you not going to look over your selections?"

"Yes, but a drink and treats first. I bet you have been on your feet all day, and the last thing you need is my drama, hold on," she left the sofa and went to collect the plate of treats, ignoring the pot of tea that would be cold, and went back to settled at his side, where they shared what was left.

She asked him about his day, where he went and why, which he was quite open about, she listened on fascinated, seeing inside his life outside the palace walls. He just came back meaning to see her and explain about the clothes but been delayed.

That would explain why he had joined her so quickly.

Nikki reached across and squeezed his arm, the empty plate on the sofa between them. "Thank you. It was a nice thought. I just had to mess it up."

"Will you stop blaming yourself? This is what I want for you."

"Live in a palace?" she asked, amazed.

"No, to be true to yourself. The ones to blame are those who kept you locked up in a prison of their making. No matter who they were, it's unacceptable."

She shrugged, because they were her guardians, and they had been so good to her, looked after her, and only wanted what was best for her, yet she desired to be free.

Her parents had willed her into their care.

"They only did what they thought was best, ah, your drink is here, and I'll look over the dresses. I will need your opinion, so you will stay?" she asked, easing off the sofa.

"Where else would I be?" 

Anywhere but here, she didn't say, sure he had more pressing matters to deal with.

With Lina's help, she rolled the dresses back into the middle of the room where she flicked through the beautiful dresses on offer, most of the caftan designs, with delicate needlework, threads, beading, and different layers of materials, yet light to the touch.

Nikki struggled to choose one, overwhelmed by the choices.

She wanted to keep them all, with such vibrant colours and style, something Vincent would never show her, wanting her in more demur colours and styles. Classy, he had said. This was her taste. Only to have Khayri at her side, placing his hands on her shoulders, where she took a deep breath and looked up at him.

"Remember, at the souk, don't be overwhelmed and step back and see what calls to you."

"That's the problem they all do."

"There is an easy solution to that."

"Don't even suggest it. I have a better one, you chose. Your city, your people, and you know what is acceptable."

"Any of these are." She looked at him pleadingly. "As you wish, on the condition you choose five of your favourites to be kept. There will be other visits to the city, and if you like, tag along with me on occasion."

"I would like that," also made it sound like she wasn't going anywhere soon.

That also pleased her. While here, not under pressure, she could think about what she wanted to do with her life. Here she found peace. At first upset about her plans being put on hold, and since here, nothing more had happened, as far as she knew, to peer at Khayri again.

"Yes?"

"Um, have there been any more issues like in Dubai since being here, and you're keeping me out of the loop for my own good?"

"No, nothing has happened since we have left Dubai."

She stepped closer to him. "So what happens now?"

"I'm still looking into the situation until I'm sure it's perfectly safe for you to return, nothing conclusive so far."

She nodded and looked over the dresses. Five to choose out of all those beautiful designs, all unique in their own way. She still struggled. Khayri had already picked one that was taken away to be hung in her wardrobe. She thought that would be easier without the stress of choosing something suitable for her first outing.

Usually, it was a struggle to find anything that she liked.

There was nothing she didn't like.

Maybe that was her problem, not making decisions that Vincent made for her. She could hear Cobra growling in her ear with frustration, as she was with herself. He was back and with force. He hated time wasters. Ones with no backbone, weak as water and indecisiveness, just like her.

She didn't want to be the damsel in distress. Only to watch horrified as Khayri gathered up an armful, lifted them off the rack and carried them into the bedroom. "Khayri!" she cried, chasing after him, watching as he placed them on the bed.

"The best way to decide is to try them on."

"All of them?" she gulped. "That will take all day." Yet a part of her relished at the idea. Just as she did at the resort, yet they had already been chosen for her, eyeing them on her bed was better than hanging on a rack.

"Okay, but," she nibbled her bottom lip, following him out. "You don't have to stay."

He stopped dead so that she nearly slammed into his back, reaching up to steady herself, placing her hand on his back as he eyed her over her shoulder.

He said 'Yes I do' with such conviction that it made her heart race, as her hand dropped to help him gather from the second rack and carry into the bedroom to place on the bed, just as Lina did and quickly covered the bed in dresses.

Not just dresses, there were also tunic tops with matching pants.

She wanted one of those.

While she sorted them out into different piles, Khalifa departed saying he would be back, and he was back by the time she had changed into her first dress, running her hands over. Taking a deep breath, tossing hair back over her shoulders, she strutted out and pretended she was on a catwalk, some sort of supermodel, minus the music.

Thinking like a supermodel, she probably looked more like an awkward duckling, strutting past Khayri, who had his laptop open on his lap, yet was watching her, eyes glowing with delight. She did a spin around on her toes, losing her balance, her barefoot caught in the hem, stumbling, and straightened up. 

So graceful, not! Giggling, because it was fun, and it was Khayri, shaking his head, smiling as she sashayed passed, yet stopped at the door.

"Well?"

"Well what?" he asked, amused.

"Thumbs up or down. It's up for votes, you also Lina. Yes," she did thumb up, "no," her thumb went down. "So-so," she waved her hand from side to side.

Both thumbs went up, and grinning she headed inside to try another one on, coming out in a tunic and pants set dancing stepping her way out. "By the way," she said, twirling around, "this is a thumb up. Just had to try it on."

Khayri's thumb went down.

"No!" she charged across to turn his thumb up. "There much better."

"I'm not sure you're supposed to change my decisions," he noted dryly, brow arched. "Unless..."

"You want me to bride you?" she asked, shocked.

"No, penalties." Freeing his hand, he touched his cheek. That she could live with, leaning in to kiss his cheek. His finger brushed her midriff, buzzing through her.

"Be careful Khayri, you might have just rigged the game in my favour," she said, huskily, heart fluttering.

Dark eyes gleamed at her. "Game? Hmm?" Shaking her head, she straightened.

"No, I really do want your opinion. Both of you, please sit down Lina, we are for the long run, and you," she pointed at Khayri, "if you need to leave, please do."

"Not happening, I'm all yours," he leaned back into the sofa, both arms stretched across the back, looking at home.

After all, it was his home.

To have a fun afternoon with the parade of all the clothes, only a couple were down thumb because of colour and style, so was still left with a huge lot to choose from. Dropping down at Khayri's side who hadn't moved from the spot through did receive calls even Hussein had turned up, joining in the fun, after her warm welcome.

He had only stayed for a while, then disappeared to be told he had a business that needed his attention. Making sure Khayri was free, Nikki bet, and couldn't thank him enough.

Even Lina joined the fun. At first, hesitant until Khayri spoke to her softly, then was her honest self. When she got the thumbs down, Nikki asked why and agreed on their point of view.

"Even if mistress looks beautiful," Lina had said, colour flooding her cheeks. 

Nikki had rushed across to hug her.

"You are so sweet," and dashed back into her room.

After the last showing, Lina departed, leaving them alone. 

The laptop closed down ages ago, where she joined Khayri's side, tucking her feet at her side, wearing the tunic top and wide flared matching pants, her elbow on the back of a sofa, resting her head on her hand. "I have a problem."

"Let me guess far too many to choose from?" She nodded. "How about we remove the ones you have already disregarded?" She looked across at the ones already hanging on the rack. Even if beautiful, they weren't suitable with her shape of the body, or tone of skin, turning back to him.

"I'll never make it on the catwalk."

"No, with all the sliding, dance moves and side-stepping," he laughed richly, "though we did enjoy it. After such a performance, I have organised dinner for us, as for the other items, store them in the wardrobe, go over them and take your time to work out what you want to keep."

"Don't they have to go back?" she asked, astonished.

"No, they are from a couple of local designers."

"What?" she sat up straighter. "They are amazing and explain the style, yet VIPs could wear them to any major functions."

"Seen out with me, you will be expanding their brands."

She looked at him, startled. "You mean these haven't even been out there in the world?" This world is so far removed from her own. The ones Vincent had brought into her life had been from a shop.

"I just asked for suitable attire, more than adequate."

"So, how will I help them? Oh, through you, but I thought you wanted to keep me under the radar," she pointed out.

"True, however, which will only be the local news. Foreign visitors are quite common. No names are needed. A friend of the family is all they need to say."

She clutched his arm, settling back into the sofa. "I'm so excited to see your city and people. Everyone here is so nice."

"I think you will find it is the way you treat people that brings out the best of them, usually unseen and unheard, but you go out of your way to make them seen and heard."

"I just say hello," she offered, shrugging, then eyed him sideways. "Did I do something wrong? If so, then I'm sorry."

"You have done nothing wrong. You are held in the highest regard."

"I am? Why?" Nikki found that hard to believe. 

Manners never hurt anyone and found people treat you as you treat them.

"Ah, Nikki, you have so little faith in yourself. Because of who you are, you draw people to you who want to protect you." She frowned, not sure she liked that.

Is that how she was perceived, needed protection from the world?

Is that how Vincent and his family saw her?

A lost baby alone in the world?

She wasn't that baby anymore. 

She needed to find out who she was and where she belonged in this world.

Collecting his laptop, Khayri departed so she could deal with the dresses and get ready for their dinner. Nikki was sure he had more important things to do before it. He had spent the entire afternoon with her.

Something rare and special.

Dinner she found out Khayri had organised down in the courtyard seated under a provided umbrella as the sun began to lower, the awning pulled back The rippling of water from the fountain in the background was soothing to the senses. She had changed into one of the dresses, having a sneaky feeling she was going to keep them all, just as he wanted.

Which was perfect for his lifestyle, and who he was.

She could never show him up and had to be dressed so, and those dresses allowed her to do so, and she loved them. Wearing them made her feel special. She didn't have to buy clothes, there were other reasons for shopping.

"I hope we are not making extra trouble by eating down here?" she asked, thinking about the stairs. 

Only to gasp as Lina and the staff appeared out of nowhere, not from the stairs, off towards the side, curiosity piqued. She hadn't known there was another way to enter than the stairs, which made sense since they were on the bottom level. She hadn't explored every one of it. "I guess not."

Khayri waited until they were alone, the table between them filled with different dishes and plates in front of them. He dismissed the staff that usually served them. Another table had been placed beside them with an arrangement of beverages, even a bottle of white wine in an ice bucket.

"I want you to taste our cuisine from these lands. Nothing too spicy."

"You do know me, but shouldn't I try such things?"

His arm waved across the spread. "That you will try. If you want to be more daring, that will be done later. Let's see, and find out what you like."

He removed the covers, revealing different meals, rice and side dishes, which they helped themselves. Nikki went for a bit of everything, breathing in fragrances that were the Middle East that were mouth-watering, waving a hand over under her nose.

"I used to raid the kitchen, much to Cook's disgust, smelling all the spices that were mentioned in the book," then bit her lip. She avoided talking about Cobra since he tensed every time he was brought up, like in the desert. "Sorry," placing a fork into the rice with some pulled lamb, rich in juices and spices.

"Nikki?" she looked across at his questioning tone. "What are you sorry about? Please don't lie to me."

She gulped. "Bringing up Cobra."

"Why? He brought you to our country, into our lives, so would have to thank him for that."

"You do?" blinking rapidly, "even if I'm maddening."

"No, my dear Nikki, you are a breath of fresh air. The way you look at life, how you treat others, no matter where they come from, no matter their culture. That is rare, something I don't see enough of. Perhaps I could find a job for you as a diplomat."

Her eyes lit up at the idea. "Really?" Then realised he was only joking by the flash of surprise that he couldn't hide quick enough that she laughed, waving it away. "Of course not. What do I know about being a diplomat? Not intelligent enough. Aren't a lot of politicians at the end of their time in public office, diplomats?"

Khayri frowns at her, leaning forward. "What do you mean not intelligent enough? Who said that to you? That's a lie." His jaw clenched.

Frantically, she waved at him. "You get me wrong, I don't have the skills or education, only have a high school certificate, not beyond that. I have no real skills, only how to play hostess," she sighed, shoulders sagging.

"Maybe not as a diplomat. I wouldn't want you to. Far too complicated, always walking on eggshells. I prefer this with you."

Relaxing, she focused back on her meal to enjoy. "Totally. Do you mind if I have a glass of wine?" She asked, pointing at the bottle.

"Help yourself." She stood to remove the bottle and poured some wine into a glass. "Do you want one?" she asked.

"Juice, thank you."

And poured him a glass of freshly squeezed juice placed at his side, then went back to her seat, and her meal, discovering flavours and texture, having the most wonderful night that they laughed, having deep discussions on life, yet was aware she couldn't talk about his life as ruler, so kept to basic topics.

Their likes and dislikes.

Nikki wanted to know what he wanted for himself and his people. His country, as in the future, never in what was happening. His vision for his country and people.

Only half the food was eaten that she looked at. "What happened to this?" she asked, not touched by hand, just serving spoons, pretty sure his staff were provided for every way.

"I have no idea. That is dealt with through the palace."

"Surely all this could feed families that were struggling to put food on the table?" she suggested. "I hate to see such waste. What about placing this in containers? And I can have leftovers," she smiled. "Quite happy to have this, even cold."

"Leftovers?" he asked, giving her a strange look as if he never had leftovers.

"Well, we put leftover food into containers and eat later. Can even be frozen and reheated."

"I see. I would look into it," he promised.

She reached across and touched his hand. "I'm sure you have more important things to look into. Just put all this in containers and I will have over the next couple of days."

His fingers caressed over her hand. "How sweet, but they do cook for an entire palace."

"Of course, I didn't mean they cook specially for me," yet she doubted that because what was cooked for her was more westerner. "I hope I'm having whatever everyone is having. Don't change for me," she begged.

"You're our guests and we do see to their needs. We have many guests from all over the world," he reassured her, a part of her still wondered, so nodded, not wanting to cause a fuss, yet struggled and was in awe of him, shrugging.

"Just who you are. Whatever happens is fine with me."

"No, I love your ideas and will pass them on. We do have a lot of leftovers and shifting off to those in need, is an excellent idea and I will make it happen." She looked at him, seeing the joy in his eyes that he could help those less unfortunate. "Only the leftovers food, not used," he added as an afterthought. "I need to look into it."

The staff came back to clear the table.

"Please take the bottle of wine to Miss Nikki's room, where she can enjoy it at any time. Also, place the leftover meal in containers and take them to her room." She only had one glass. That was taken away before she could protest, he added. "Make sure a refrigerator is provided."

Yet Nikki could see the strange expression on Lina's features, but would never say anything. "Is there a problem, Lina?" she asked. Her eyes went straight to Khayri.

"Go ahead," Khayri allowed.

"It's just the mistress has fresh meals every day? Isn't it enough?"

"Oh, I know, but I love all this, so can enjoy it as a snack instead of wasting this brilliant food."

Khayri's brow raised. "How can you argue with that?" he asked.

Lina smiled. "You can't sheikh, as you wish." With the table cleared away, and the tables removed making room for them, were placed back. They also departed back to the upper levels, where they parted ways, leaving Nikki too restless to sleep.

Back in his rooms, Khayri changed into white loose pants, settled on the sofa with his laptop as Hussein entered, and settled into a chair. "So how did it go?"

"As usual, never easy, and I respect her for that. Other women wouldn't blink an eye and take everything that's on offer. Not my Nikki. By the way, what happens to the food we don't use?" he asked as casually as possible. He had promised but wasn't sure about the logic of it. Also, they already provided food to the needy, fresh not leftovers, but could see her point of view about wastage.

"Why?" Hussein asked, just as casually drawing his attention.

"What are you not telling me?"

Hussein sighed. "The staff take whatever is leftover home to their families to be disturbed amongst their families."

"You didn't see the fortitude to tell me?"

"You have bigger issues to deal with."

"It's not a problem. Nikki will be pleased." Hussein frowned, confused and so explained.

"She did that over dinner?" he asked, stunned.

"I know. As I said, my Nikki, she's special," then sighed. "Let it be known nothing has changed." Which explained Lina's surprise. "Send Lina to me." This needed to be cleared up, not wanting to look upon her as someone who was stealing from them to feed others. It was a fine tight line that he walked. Nikki had meant well but didn't know of the situation, and neither had he. "If I had known of the situation, I could have explained there and then."

"In front of the staff?" Hussein asked.

"Hmm, tricky. Good thing I didn't, but will need to be sorted now."

"On it." Hussein stood and walked out on the phone.

Though she had meant well, thinking of saving waste and others, when she lived in a gilded cage by the sounds of things, and he was going to set her free, to live the life she wanted.

It wasn't with him, his heart sinking. 

She deserved something better than what he could offer her, another prison. One he didn't want to put her in. However, he could set her up to follow her dreams. Even if she didn't know what they were, she would find that away from her guardian.

He understood it. That desire and need to break free when he was younger, wanting to explore a life outside the palace life, especially after his disastrous arranged marriage that didn't even start. 

Betrayed, and walked away from it, hands clean, and now saw it was a lucky break.

He never rebelled against his family or the palace, just exploring the world and enjoying what was on offer, which gave him the playboy image, which was so far removed from the truth. Just the crowd he was seen with. 

They tended to stay with their own sort.

Until he was called back home and stayed.