Shon shoved his paperwork aside, an aggravated sigh escaping his lips. He’d read the same paragraph three times and was still no closer to actually understanding it. He was simply too distracted to bother with foreign matters right now.

Not when he could practically hear Tahvo rattling off all his medical expertise to the good doctor. After the glint he’d seen in his twin’s eye at breakfast, he had no doubt Tahvo was doing everything in his power to win over Amy.

After all, that’s what they did. They competed. Pushed each other. And in the past, it had always been for their own betterment. Without Tahvo, Shon never would have summited Everest or joined the Dakari Grand Prix. Skydiving, boat racing, academics—they were all up for grabs, as far the twins were concerned.

Even women. They spent practically all of their time together, so it wasn’t rare for them to be interested in the same lovely lady. And just as it was with all of their “competitions,” their policy had always been a good-natured “may the best man win.” When one of them had clearly won, the other moved on to another challenge.

But never in his life had Shon wanted to win so damn much.

Every time he closed his eyes, he could see the doctor’s curves, her golden tresses, her wide, steely eyes glinting with ferocity and determination. She was special, and Tahvo knew it, too. In fact, he’d probably already tried something with her.

An unfamiliar twinge of jealousy twisted like a dagger in Shon’s stomach. He couldn’t—he wouldn’t—let a woman come between him and his brother. Then again, if Tahvo had yet to claim her…

Shon shoved out of his chair and stomped toward the wide doors of his office. If he was lucky, Amy and Tahvo would still be with Nabila so he could see how far his brother had progressed in winning over the good doctor. Then Shon would formulate a plan to beat his brother out of the ultimate prize—Amy in his bed.

Shon was barely aware of his surroundings as he stalked the familiar paths of the palace. Every thought was focused on Amy or Tahvo, or both of them together. He quickened his pace until he reached Nabila’s door. Her chipper voice invited him in when he knocked softly.

Opening the door, Shon’s attention zeroed in on Tahvo. He stood far too close to Amy, grinning down at her as if she’d just said something funny. The moment Tahvo noticed Shon in the doorway, his smile fell away and wariness lit in his dark eyes.

“Wow, the real royal treatment,” Nabila said, beaming at Shon. “I get two princes for the price of one.”

“Is something wrong?” Suspicion glinted off Tahvo’s every word.

Shon crossed the room and sat on the edge of Nabila’s bed, as close to Amy as he could. “No, I simply wanted to check on my sister-in-law. How are you feeling today?”

Nabila rubbed her bulging stomach. “Better, actually.”

“And it shows,” Amy added. “Vitals are all good.”

“And how was your night, doctor?” Shon asked, his gaze shifting to hers and holding it pointedly.

Amy shrugged. “I wasn’t murdered in my sleep, so I suppose I can’t complain too much.”

Shon felt Tahvo glaring at him—obviously he was still angry Shon had taken Amy to the harem—but he ignored it. He was far more interested in the electricity that sparked between his knee and Amy’s hip as she brushed past him to help reposition Nabila.

“I just need you to sit up a little more so I can check the baby’s heartbeat, okay?”

Shon quickly jumped into to assist, pressing his side into Amy’s as he helped Nabila scoot into position.

“Amy, I would like to apologize again for leaving you in the harem last night. It was thoughtless, and I should have known better.” Shon took her hand and waited until she focused on him. “Can you ever forgive me?”

Just past Amy, Nabila raised her eyebrows in surprise.

Amy stared at him for an endless moment, her eyes widening slightly before she finally tore her gaze away from him. “It’s over now, but thank you for your apology.”

Quickly jamming the stethoscope tips in her ears, she bent over and pressed the cool circular plate against Nabila’s belly. Tahvo gave Shon one last hot glare before turning his full attention to Amy. The happiness Shon had felt over Amy’s forgiveness was short-lived, as anxiety over Nabila’s child kicked in full force. Together he and his brother watched the doctor’s face for any sign of worry. When a small smile quirked her lips, they all breathed a sigh of relief.

“I’d say we have a marked improvement from yesterday,” Amy said as she straightened and started removing her gloves. “Nabila, you need to keep your stress level low.”

“Anything I can do to help with that?” Shon asked.

“Or me?” Tahvo added hastily.

Nabila glanced from one brother to the other, then to Amy, then back to Shon. “I do have a sort of silly request.”

“Anything,” Shon said. And he meant it. He would do anything for his queen although he couldn’t help feeling suspicious of the mischievous glint in her eye.

“Do you remember the song you sang at my wedding? The one about the warrior queen who found true love?”

Shon nodded. “Your favorite.”

Nabila smiled. “Will you sing it for me? It always makes me feel better.”

Tahvo’s expression clouded over and Shon grinned at his sister-in-law’s wily ways. “Of course,” he replied, clearing his throat before launching into the epic ballad.

It was a slow, lilting melody, and Nabila hummed along with him as he sang in their ancient language. Amy would have no idea what the words meant, but much like with an Italian opera, knowing the language wasn’t necessary if the singer was skilled at imbuing the words with meaning. And Shon was skilled.

Slowly, the story of a warrior princess, strong and brave, unfolded. Leading her army onto the battle field, she was felled by an enemy soldier, but before the brute could deliver the coup de grâce, the king of all the lands cut the enemy down where he stood. The king carried the princess to safety and they fell in love.

As he sang, Amy packed her doctor’s bag and scribbled notes on a clipboard. Every so often, he’d catch her pausing to listen and watch him from the corner of her eye. A small, possibly impressed smile played on her luscious lips.

Tahvo listened too, but he seemed more irritated than impressed. He crossed his arms tightly over his chest while Nabila’s upper body swayed as she fell into the rhythm of the words. Words he sang at her wedding so many years ago. As the song drew to a close, he held the final note, allowing it to soar and echo through the room.

All was still for a moment and then Nabila began applauding, quickly followed by Amy. Tahvo simply scowled at Shon.

“What language was that?” Amy asked almost breathlessly.

Oh, what he wouldn’t give to hear her speak like that in his ear as they lay in his big bed together.

“Alnamar,” Shon said. “It’s our ancient language”

“Shon knows eight languages fluently,” Nabila chimed in. “My brothers are so very talented. Don’t you agree, Amy?”

“So I’m learning.” Amy smiled at her patient and then pulled some vials from the front pocket of her bag and turned to Tahvo. His face lit up like the sun rising over the dunes, which set Shon’s teeth on edge.

“What can I do?” he asked before she’d said a word.

“Can you take these samples to the courier personally? I want to get the results as quickly as possible, and who knows how long the lab will take to process them.”

Tahvo hedged, glancing from his brother to Amy uncertainly. Finally, his shoulders slumped in defeat and Shon knew he’d won. But for the first time in his life, the sense of victory he felt was tempered by a pang of guilt.

“Of course,” Tahvo said. “Right away.”

“Thank you so much.” Amy smiled and laid a hand on his bicep, which perked up Tahvo while irritating Shon.

Tahvo moved slowly toward the door. He glanced over his shoulder at them several times before he finally edged out of the room, glaring at Shon as the massive door swung shut. With a sigh of relief, Shon turned to Amy.

“While he’s off running errands, I’ll escort you to your new quarters. Far from the harem.”

Amy’s brow creased as she glanced toward Nabila. “I don’t know…”

Nabila flapped a hand at her. “I’m fine, really. I haven’t felt better in weeks! You’re a miracle worker, Dr. Sullivan.”

“Amy.”

“Amy,” Nabila said, smiling happily. “Amy, I swear I will follow your orders to the letter. I will have some of my favorite tea, maybe read a little, all while remaining in bed as instructed. And I promise I won’t allow anything or anyone to upset me, just as you ordered.”

Amy pursed her lips and then gave a small nod. “Okay. But don’t hesitate for a second to call me on my cell if you have any strange symptoms. Deal?”

Nabila grinned and pressed a button that would bring a servant to fetch her tea. “Deal. Now go get settled in your new quarters.”

“Sounds good to me,” Amy said, turning to grab her bag, but Shon already held it in his hand.

Just as they left the queen’s quarters, Shon could have sworn Nabila winked at him.