The Governess and the Sheikh by Marguerite Kaye Page A

advantage. ‘As a princess, she must learn not just discipline, but kindness. Surely you agree she will be a better princess for having some understanding of her subjects?’
    â€˜I don’t know. It is not the custom.’
    â€˜You keep saying that, but traditions are only traditions for as long as they are maintained. You are the prince; if you wish to change something, you can do so. Set your own traditions.’
    Jamil’s expressions softened into one of his near smiles. ‘My Council—’
    â€˜You said yourself, your Council need to be brought into the nineteenth century,’ Cassie pointed out quickly. ‘Or at least,’ she amended conscientiously, ‘I think that is what you meant.’
    Jamil’s smile widened. ‘I see now that you are indeed Lord Henry Armstrong’s daughter.’
    â€˜I will take that as a compliment,’ Cassie replied with one of her irrepressible smiles. ‘A compliment from you is as rare an event as a rainy day in the desert. I shall cherish it. But seriously, will you think about it, Jamil. Please? For Linah’s sake? You know it—’
    â€˜What I know, Cassie, is that a wise strategist knows when to retreat as well as when to advance,’Jamil interrupted. ‘Your point is well made and I will reflect on it, but you should stop now, before you lose the advantage you have gained.’
    She did so most reluctantly as she had still not broached the subject of Jamil’s contact with his daughter. Proud of her restraint, for it did not come at all naturally to her, Cassie nodded, fastening her lips together primly.
    â€˜I can see that you are making a significant effort on my behalf,’ Jamil said, trying very hard not to laugh. Another thing he had forgotten about this beguiling creature was her more endearing qualities. She had the ability to throw him from one extreme to the other, in a way no one else could. Not that he was endeared. Just tired.
    He had been away too long. The increasing demands of his kingdom were a sign of successful expansion, yet he did not feel rewarded. Halim had been appalled by the brigand attack just as much as Cassie, but for quite different reasons. Infallibility again. The shedding of blood was evidence of mortality. Halim feared for the prince, but Cassie feared for the man. No one else, it seemed to him, saw him in that way. Cared for him in that way.
    â€˜You have everything you need here?’ he asked brusquely, getting to his feet.
    â€˜Yes, thank you. Linah’s schoolroom is exceedingly well equipped.’
    â€˜I did not ask about Linah, I asked about you.’ Jamil reached out his hand to pull Cassie up beside him. Instead of letting her go, he pulled her to him, thebetter to scrutinise her face. ‘You look tired.’ His eyes narrowed. ‘Have you been crying?’
    â€˜No, I—it was nothing.’
    â€˜What have you not told me? If you are trying to protect Linah, let me tell you that—’
    â€˜No, Linah is not the cause, not really. I’m just feeling a bit sorry for myself, that’s all.’
    â€˜You are unhappy here?’
    â€˜No, not unhappy but—well, being cooped up here all day, it can be a bit stifling,’ Cassie replied with an apologetic look.
    Jamil frowned. ‘I should have thought about it before. Of course you are used to having a little more freedom. Would you like to ride?’
    â€˜Camels?’
    Cassie’s expression of dismay was so comical, Jamil could not restrain a bark of laughter. ‘No, horses.’
    He had a nice laugh, deep and infectious, extremely masculine. Cassie smiled back. Exercise, she realised, was what she needed to blow away the blue megrims, and maybe it would do Linah good, too. ‘That would be wonderful. Does Linah ride?’
    â€˜It is considered improper for women here, unless they are led.’
    â€˜You are a prince—are not traditions yours