“How are you feeling, dearest one?” Jebal asked, smiling. His hand cupped her elbow. But his eyes were focused on her face, searchingly.
“I am still weaker than usual,” Alex lied. She had never felt better. “I have not been able to do my morning workouts. You know, all that jumping around that I do, and the sit-ups. I get so incredibly tired.”
“Ah, yes, your strange American custom; jumping jacks, I believe is what you call those funny motions?”
“Jumping jacks and abdominals,” Alex said. She shifted so that Jebal’s hand did not touch her arm.
“Did the physician I sent not examine you earlier today?”
Alex felt herself tensing. “Yes, but he is a fool.”
Jebal’s smile faded. “Oh, really?”
Alex looked him in the eye. “I don’t like him. I don’t want him examining me again.”
“Perhaps I like him. Perhaps I wish for him to examine you.”
Alex only hesitated for a moment. “Then I suppose I will have to grin and bear it.”
Jebal’s fists clenched. “Are you trying to anger me? If so, you are succeeding.”
“I am sorry if you are angry with my honesty.”
“Sometimes a woman should be less honest and more sweet.”
“Like Paulina?”
“Paulina has given me a son.”
“Perhaps you should marry her,” Alex said without thinking.
Jebal froze.
Alex wondered if he would strike her. She stepped back.
“I did not give you permission to leave,” he said harshly. “And I do not give you permission to speak so frankly—not ever again!”
Alex’s heart beat hard and fast. It was on the tip of her tongue to respond. She thought about it. A fight might gel her hurt, but it would probably keep her from getting raped, and she was tired of being a submissive Moslem woman. And she was no longer alone. Not with Blackwell’s return. “Then I shall remain mute.”
Jebal stared at her in shock. He was trembling. “Are you looking for punishment?” he finally asked.
“No.” Alex swallowed.
“I invited you here to dine. Instead of beginning a pleasant, enjoyable evening, an evening I looked forward to after spending this afternoon in council with my father and Jovar, you infuriate me. Have you changed, Zohara?”
“No. I have not changed.”
He understood her implications—that he did not know her, had never really known her. He flushed. “Your insolence is astounding.Ihave changed … my mind. Return to your rooms. You will remain there until I summon you.”
Alex turned and walked to the door. She wanted to run.
“I don’t understand you,” Jebal suddenly cried. Alex paused but did not turn. “I am thinking about divorcing you.” There was a warning in his tone.
Alex knew they must remain married until she and Xavier escaped. And that she must have some degree of freedom, as well. But now was not the time to apologize—to make amends. Now was the time to flee.
“Go,” Jebal said harshly. “Just go. And stay out of my sight until I have decided what to do with you.”
Alex hurried into the outer room. Murad rushed over to her, his face grim. Alex knew he had overheard their every word.
