Chapter Twenty
Playing Politics
Rowan
The Rose Gala is the official kick off to racing season, and as such, my decision to enter the fray dominates conversation. The queen is livid, but I’ve managed to avoid her lectures since she suddenly returned from Marins. I’m fully committed, and nothing she can say will change my mind.
“I like your strategy, Rowan.” Prince Fayed Patel of Tunis crosses the upper deck to greet me. “Enter on the last day and cause an upset. It won’t win you the race.”
My former rival’s eyes shine with humor. On his arm is his wife Paridhi, a dark-haired beauty in a pink lace sari.
“I love your dress,” she says, reaching for Ava’s hand. “Will you tell me where you got it?”
With a quick glance at me, Ava goes with her to the railing overlooking the emerald waters leaving Fayed and me alone to talk.
“I heard your deal with the Americans went through,” he says.
“All that’s left is the approval of parliament and signing the contracts.”
“Your decision to scale back your holdings in our country isn’t a popular one.” His tone is gentle, but I have to handle this situation diplomatically. Fayed is a close ally.
“Increasing our dependence on oil is not on my agenda. You see what it’s doing to the economy in Saudi.”
My friend nods. “This clean energy proposal is very new. You think it is more stable?”
“It might be. It has a large number of strong backers.” A glance around the room, and I nod to a few members of the old guard watching us. “It only needs to be presented in the right way. The research is sound, and I’m confident introducing a revenue stream more stable than oil and tourism is the best course for our future.”
“I am acquainted with your attention to detail. I’m sure this proposal has merit.” Fayed tilts his glass side to side. “Still, I hate to lose an ally.”
I’m quick to stop that presumption. “Nothing will be lost. We’re not divesting; we’re simply reinvesting in something new.”
“Ah,” he nods. “We can discuss this further at another time. I noticed technology isn’t the only new thing occupying your thoughts.”
My eyes follow his to where Ava stands talking to Paridhi. She’s so natural with the princess, admiring her dress and hair. “After the race I intend to announce the deal, and depending on how it goes, my choice of a bride.”
Fayed’s dark brow rises. “She’s very beautiful. Who is she?”
“A friend of my uncle’s.” I think about the answer. “She’s American, but she has a way about her…” I can’t think of how to finish without sounding like a lovesick fool.
Fayed chuckles and pats my shoulder. “It’s a love match. The best kind.” The women are slowly walking back to where we stand. “Good luck to you. I’m going to win on Sunday, but I’ll share the magnum.”
That makes me laugh. “Don’t claim that magnum prematurely. I’ll see you at qualifications tomorrow.”
Paridhi takes her husband’s arm, and Ava holds mine. We watch as they stroll away, disappearing into the crowd. I glance down at my beautiful date, thinking how she changes the tone of the entire evening.
In the past, these events and functions have always felt like a chore for me. Tonight, I want everyone to see the gorgeous woman on my arm. I want them to become accustomed to seeing her with me.
“You love this,” she says, looking up at me and smiling. “You’re the most relaxed and happy I’ve seen you in public.”
Putting both my hands on her waist, I pull her to me. “Are you saying I’ve only been relaxed and happy with you in private?”
“Up to tonight? Yes,” she teases, and I lean down to kiss her. Our lips only briefly touch before she pulls back. “I have your gift.”
Opening her tan clutch, she pulls out a gold herringbone bracelet. It’s wide and clearly designed for a man. I watch as she fastens it around my wrist, feeling slightly uneasy. I’ve never worn jewelry, and I don’t want to hurt her feelings.
“I know it’s old-school,” she says, running her finger along the shiny surface before pushing it under my cuff and into my sleeve. “You don’t have to wear it, but I want you to have it. It’s eighteen karat gold.”
She looks up, and the shyness in her eyes makes me want to hold her in my arms. “I’m not accustomed to jewelry,” I say as gently as possible.
“I know. It’s not fashionable anymore.” Her chin drops.
“I’m not used to something around my wrist. I might damage it.” Catching her chin, I lift her eyes to mine. “Still, I’ll keep it on me during the race.”
Her brow relaxes, and she smiles. “For luck.”
Touching her cheek, I can’t help a sense of wonder at this person. “You’re my luck. I’ll wear it for you.”
Cal’s voice cuts through our moment. “Had enough of all this nonsense? I know you hate it.”
I look up at my brother, joining us with Zelda on his arm. “It’s not so bad. I’m actually enjoying myself.”
“I don’t believe it.” He slants an eye at me, and I shrug.
“Rowan,” Zelda says, touching her friend’s hand. “Do you mind if I steal her for just a bit?”
Stepping back, I nod. “Of course not.”
Cal and I watch as they walk slowly to the other side of the deck, stopping by the rail. For a moment, I observe how alike they move. I suppose it’s because they’re so close. Ava is several inches taller than Zee.
“It’s her, isn’t it?” A smile is in my brother’s tone. “Ava is the reason you’re enjoying yourself here.”
“She’s part of the reason.” A very big part, I don’t add. “I just spoke with Fayed. He’s aware we got the green light on the deal with the Americans.”
“How’d he take it?” Cal has been with me every step of the way in my efforts to diversify our economy. “Disappointed, but understanding. He’s more interested in the race at present.”
“It’s a festival weekend—especially now that you’ve changed the conversation. We’ll get back to business on Monday.”
“I’ll have to discuss it with the queen before I bring it to the council.”
“Will you include Reggie in the conversation? She’s met with him a few times since he’s been back.”
That flashes me. “About what?” I’m more than a little annoyed they’ve had meetings without my knowledge.
“From what I understand, she’s trying to see if he has any ulterior motives for being here—other than bringing a certain wealthy American heiress to your attention.”
“Zelda,” I say with a nod, thinking how his matchmaking efforts are directly linked to his record for economic conservatism. “An oil heiress is more of his outdated way of thinking. Getting us further entrenched in waning technologies.”
“They’re not entirely outdated just yet.”
“They’re also not what I want for our future. Tourism, gambling, oil—all are dependent on the global economy and disposable income. I want us insulated against factors we can’t control.”
Cal holds up his hands. “I’m on your side.”
“Reggie, however, is not.” I’m less angry at my uncle, but I’m not ready to pull him into the inner circle just yet. Cal looks away to where the ladies have gone, and I can’t resist a little prod. “At least his efforts weren’t wasted. You seem to be enjoying your time with Miss Benedict.”
He glances up, and I don’t miss the change in his expression. “She’s kind of perfect, but I don’t know. It’s a lot to consider.”
“What is?”
“They’re leaving soon. Going back to America.”
Now I’m the one searching for them. “I didn’t know that. When?”
“Zelda didn’t say an exact date. It has something to do with her uncle’s will.”
“That doesn’t impact Ava.” I’m speaking as much to myself as to my brother. “She shouldn’t have to leave.”
I find Ava talking to Zelda across the deck, and the shadow I see passing over her face erodes my confidence.
“Maybe,” Cal continues. “I get the feeling they stick together.”
I’ve left my brother’s side, and now I’m walking to where they stand. Zelda doesn’t see me approach, and I catch the end of what she’s saying before Ava cuts her off.
“I think he’s satisfied for now, but I don’t know what he might attempt—”
“Rowan!” Ava rushes forward, placing her hand on my forearm. “Zelda and I were just talking.”
“Cal told me. You’re leaving? Why didn’t you say anything?”
Her green eyes go round. “I don’t know.” She looks rapidly to Zelda and back to me. “Everything is happening so quickly.”
I cover her hand with mine, thinking of our day in Occitan, making love in the ocean. I remember eating strawberries and drinking champagne, discussing poetry and what I want my legacy to be. I want Ava at my side for all of it.
“It’s my fault,” Zelda says, drawing my attention away from the girl standing in front of me. “I wasn’t sure if Ava wanted to stay… If I have to leave.”
Ava releases my arm and returns to her friend. “Stay here alone? Without you?” I don’t miss the worry in her voice.
“I was hoping…” Zelda looks up at me again. “I hoped you wouldn’t be alone.”
I reach for my lady, and the bracelet she gave me slips out of my sleeve, falling onto my hand.
Zelda’s eyes fix on it, and her expression changes. “Did you give him that?”
Ava takes my hand, tucking the piece in my sleeve again. “Yes.”
“In what way? As a trade? A farewell?”
My stomach twists, and I don’t understand the meaning of these questions. I don’t like what that meaning could be.
“It’s for luck. It’s for him,” she says, looking up at me. “It’s for all you’ve given me. I don’t need anything in return.”
Placing my hands on the sides of her face, I trace my thumbs along her cheekbones. She has no idea how much I want to give her. “I treasure it.”
Zelda looks from me to her and back again before stepping away from us. “Have a good night. We can talk more tomorrow.”
My eyes are consumed with the sight of the girl in front of me. I only just hear what Zelda is saying, and I pause.
“Zelda!” I call after her. She stops, and I tell her plainly, “You will stay through the race. You won’t leave until after it’s done.”
Her mouth opens as if she’ll argue with me, but she seems to change her mind. “I’ll do what I can,” she says, but that’s not good enough.
“No.” My voice is sterner. “You will not leave until after the race on Sunday. If you have a problem, come and talk to me.”
Her brow lines, and for a moment I hold Ava, watching her friend with an expression that won’t take no for an answer.
At last she sighs. “I’ll talk to you if something happens.”
“Good.”
She’s not smiling, but she returns to where Cal is waiting, holding a champagne flute and watching. I don’t know what he’s thinking, but I’m not letting them go so easily.