Twice Upon a Time by Olivia Cunning Page B

Nasir said. “She is jealous of me. Of every wife you’ve bedded. Of every child you’ve sired. And she’s especially jealous of Farima, because she is the first wife you’ve actually had feelings for.” Ashar shook his head. “Maisha admitted that she was the one who encouraged Farima to flee. And told you to go after her. As soon as you were beyond the security of the palace, she told the guard that you’d kidnapped Farima so you would be prosecuted.”
    “What?” Lara sputtered.
    “She does not like that her princess’s body has been soiled by that of a lowly eunuch,” Ashar said.
    “That doesn’t make any sense,” Reece said. “She is the one who told me to bathe Farima and prepare her for your arrival. She even suggested that the princess was tense and that an orgasm would relax her. If she didn’t want me to soil her princess’s body, why would she encourage me to touch her?”
    Ashar’s harsh glare could have frozen lava. “She told me that she despises you, Nasir. She wants you dead. Not her princess. You.”
    “But all of the attacks have been against Farima, not me.”
    “Then how is it you are injured, and my wife hasn’t a scratch on her?”
    “Because I was there to protect her.”
    “Maybe you should have been more concerned with protecting yourself,” Ashar said.
    “Ashar,” Lara said. “Where is Maisha? I would like to speak to her.”
    “I do not think that is wise, Farima. She has already confessed to her crimes.”
    “I might believe that she tried to get Nasir in trouble, but what of the assassination attempts. A man tried to stab me yesterday. This morning another tried to poison me.”
    “When did you become so free with your tongue, wife? Are you questioning my decision?”

    “Yes. Yes, I am! Maisha should not be charged with another’s crimes.”
    “I agree,” Reece said. “Putting me in danger is one thing. Putting her princess in danger is quite another. I do not think Maisha was responsible for the attempts on Farima’s life.”
    Ashar pursed his lips together. “I do not wish to look as though I have lost control of my household,” he said.
    “So the only reason you want Maisha to take the blame is so you don’t look foolish?” Lara was beyond exasperated with the governor.
    “If things continue to deteriorate, I will reevaluate my position in this matter.”
    “So if I am killed, you’ll admit that someone from your household, not mine, is responsible for my death.”
    “No one will harm you, my love. Not while I am present.”
    “But you leave me here when you must attend to your duties. We have been married but two weeks, do you honestly think that if you ignore this situation, things will get better?”
    “Farima…” Ashar cupped her face in both hands and tried to kiss her, but she rol ed away from him and climbed to her feet. She had planned on storming out of the room, but too much sex had her hobbling like cowboy who owned a cement saddle.
    “Take me to Maisha now or I will find her myself.” She slipped a simple gown over her head and tugged her hair free from the neckline. She gave Reece a look to plead for his support.
    “Perhaps you will be more lucid in the morning,” Ashar said.
    Lara’s nostrils flared. Reece scrambled to his feet. She wasn’t sure if he was aiding her or protecting Ashar from her fury.
    “What harm will it do to al ow her to talk to Maisha?” Reece asked. “They have been in acquaintance for almost as long as we have. How would you feel if someone accused me of something you did not think I was capable of and threatened to execute me without allowing you to hear my side of the story?”
    “But you would never threaten someone out of jealousy, Nasir. I know your character well and would not believe such accusations.” Reece lifted an eyebrow at the governor as he proved his point. Ashar sighed and rose from the bed. “I suppose neither of you will allow me to sleep until this matter is settled.” He