The Defiant Princess by Alyssa J. Montgomery

hers, satisfaction rippled through her.
    â€œThat’s enough performance practice,” he said in thick, roughened tones.
    â€œI agree.” She lied for her own self-preservation, for as she drew back away from him, her head spun with newfound sensations. Khalid’s brand of passion was totally addictive and it seemed she could affect him just as much as he affected her. That was a revelation.
    â€œSurely, we won’t be expected to put on public displays of affection in Rhajia or Turastan?”
    â€œNo,” he said. “Although it wouldn’t be taboo. Neither of our countries is as strict as some of our neighbours because we are predominantly Christian and home to a mixture of religions, ethnic groups and cultures within our borders. Now, are you ready?” He framed it as a question, but she realised he would brook no further protests or delays.
    With a quick nod, she made for the boarding gate and was thankful this was a private flight. It would afford her some time to sit away from him as he caught up on correspondence. She needed to think about her situation.
    Once strapped into her seat ready for take-off, Sabrina asked, “Do I get to know this mystery woman’s name?”
    Khalid hesitated. “Inaya,” he told her at last. “And I will see her as soon as possible after our landing.”
    A knot of pain twisted in Sabrina’s chest. For some reason, the thought of Khalid touching down in Turastan and rushing off to be with this woman made Sabrina …
    My God!
    She was jealous of Inaya.
    Reality check. Huge reality check and grounding required. Jealousy indicated caring. Sabrina did not care about Khalid. All she cared about was revisiting Rhajia, deposing her uncle and making sure Khalid would restore the country of her birth to its former happy and wealthy state. Closure on this chapter of her life needed to be achieved. All that was truly important to her was in Australia. Wasn’t it?

Chapter Six
    â€œYou’ve done what?” Khalid’s voice cracked like a whip into the telephone receiver.
    Incredulity at his father’s announcement was followed quickly by annoyance. “You should’ve discussed this with me first.”
    â€œThere was no time. Expediency was crucial,” King Hassan explained. “The delegates were already here demanding Lalita’s marriage to Hamil.”
    â€œPrincess Sabihah isn’t ready for this.” As he argued with his father, the muscles across Khalid’s shoulders grew rigid with tension. “You’re throwing her to the wolves.”
    â€œYou will prepare her. She must make a favourable impression.”
    â€œRight,” Khalid intoned with impatience as he looked at his watch, “and I now have an hour and a half before we land in Turastan. I would’ve appreciated more warning.”
    â€œKhalid—”
    â€œWho will be there? What am I walking her into, Father?”
    King Hassan rattled off many names. Khalid felt his face harden as he realised the representatives were political heavyweights who were intimidating when faced in a one-to-one meeting. En masse? This reception committee could be likened to a pit of vipers and Sabihah was about to be thrown into it.
    There was one name his father hadn’t mentioned. It burnt in Khalid’s mind. “Mustaf?”
    â€œNaturally he claims she’s an imposter. He declares that if we continue with the claim that she’s the Princess of Rhajia, he’ll mobilise his troops against us.”
    Khalid stood. Restless energy pulsed through him. “One way or another he’s determined to declare war.” His brain worked quickly as he paced the confines of the small private office on the royal jet. “Have the authorities in Australia managed to get the hitman to talk?”
    â€œNot yet, but a senior member of our police force has been sent to assist with the investigation. I’m confident this