“I’m afraid words are escaping me at the moment,” Francis said. “I have so much to say and I don’t know how to begin.”
“May I start?” Hasim asked.
“Yes, by all means.”
“Then, please accept my apologies,” Hasim said.
Francis held his breath. Had Hasim changed his mind?
“I did not mean to lie or deceive,” Hasim went on.
“Nor I,” Francis said.
Hasim nodded. “It was…pleasant to meet you without all of the…other things. To meet as two men. Without all the ceremony.”
“Yes,” Francis agreed, voice calm, but his heart was hammering inside his chest. “And…now?”
“Now…” Hasim exhaled lightly. “I wish you could stay, but last night I spoke with my advisors, and they suggest that, at some point, you must return home.”
Francis fought to keep a straight face amid the crushing disappointment he felt in that moment.
“Along with your ambassador, and my official offer to be my consort,” Hasim finished.
Oh.
Francis let out a shaky breath. “I see,” he said. “And, forgive me, why is it that I can’t extend my stay here while they sort out the particulars between them?”
Hasim made a face and shrugged. “I don’t know. I think they are worried to upset your family and want to…follow protocol.”
“Protocol.” Francis laughed. “Hasim, you had men competing in a tournament, for goodness’ sake.”
“That was not my idea.” Hasim grinned. “My wife, Fatima, did all of that. She wants to meet you, by the way.” He looked at Francis seriously. “As do my entire family, but I told them they must wait. Today, at least, I would like you all to myself.”
Francis smiled. “What about the cats?”
“And the cats,” Hasim amended with a smile. “Until they are asleep. Then I would like you all to myself.”
“That sounds perfect.”
* * * *
Francis spent the day with Hasim and the cats. They ate lunch with the little ones in the kitten pavilion, where Hasim left his small charge in safe hands, then they helped with the afternoon feed later.
They spoke of their families, learning about each other. Francis now understood that the ‘King Omar’ he’d first seen behind a screen had been none other than Hasim’s wife, Queen Fatima. Apparently, she wore his clothes and the royal turban for many official duties, using a screen to conceal her identity, and had the royal viziers read her speeches aloud.
Hasim’s teenage sons, Ali and Nasim, both studied and performed royal duties in both the eastern side of the city and also in Ankara, while his eldest daughter, Nadia, and his niece, Ameen, were studying in the south of Türkiye with a view to becoming economists.
Francis couldn’t imagine dividing up royal power like that. His family would never.
“Do you…I mean, is King Omar ever seen in public?” Francis asked.
“Yes, sometimes,” Hasim said. “There is a holiday soon, and I will be expected to be seen at court. But…I am not dreading it as much now. I feel lighter, thanks to you, dear one.”
“I’m happy to be of assistance,” Francis said with a smile. “I wish I could stay instead of going home.”
“I want you to stay,” Hasim said. “Will you take my offer home with you?”
“Yes, of course,” Francis said. “Gladly. Gustav and I will explain everything to Granny.”
