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Four
    “D id you find your meal satisfactory, Your Wickedness?”
    Zain looked up from his barren plate to see Maysa Barad— Doctor Maysa Barad—standing in the doorway wearing a bright purple caftan, her dark hair pulled back into a braid. He returned her smile, though that was the last thing he cared to do. But she was his friend, and she had opened her home to him as a temporary sanctuary. “It was very good. My compliments to your chef. He has a masterful hand.”
    “ She is a master,” Maysa said as she pulled back the adjacent chair and sat. “I made your dinner after I gave my chef the night off. However, since I still have household staff on the premises, we should continue to speak English to ensure our new king has his privacy.”
    At the moment he preferred not to be reminded of his duty. “My position will not be official until the coronation.”
    “You were king the moment your father passed. My sympathies to you, though I know the two of you did not always see eye to eye.”
    That was an understatement. “Thank you for that, and for allowing me to arrive virtually unannounced.”
    “You are always welcome here, Zain.” She rested her elbow on the table and supported her cheek with her palm, sending the heavy bangles at her wrists down her arm. “And you have always been the official king of mischief.”
    “And you are still as pretty as you were the last time I saw you.”
    Her smile expanded. “But are you still the little devil who attempted to frighten me with toads?”
    She had been the sister he’d never had. “You were never really frightened, were you?”
    “No. I was simply playing along until Rafiq came along to rescue me.”
    Zain had always suspected that to be the case. Maysa had been in love with his brother for as long as he could recall. He wondered if she still was. “Speaking of Rafiq, will you be attending the wedding?”
    She straightened in the chair, her frame as rigid as the carved wooden table. “I received an invitation, but do not wish to witness that charade.”
    Yes, she was still in love with Rafiq. “I agree it might not be the best match.”
    “A match made in misery. Rafiq will never be happy with a woman whose heart belongs to another man.”
    “What man?”
    Zain saw a flash of regret pass over her expression. “I would rather not say. In fact, I have already said too much.”
    “Can you tell me if Rima has returned this man’s affections?”
    “Yes, she has.”
    He tried to contain his shock. “Does Rafiq know?”
    She lifted her shoulders in a shrug. “If he does, he has chosen to ignore it. Regardless, it is not my place to tell him, and I would hope you keep it to yourself, as well.”
    He did not like the thought of concealing the truth from his brother, yet he doubted Rafiq would believe him. “It would not matter, Maysa. Rafiq is all about duty, regardless of the circumstance. He has every intention of honoring the marriage contract.”
    She flipped her hand in dismissal. “Enough talk about your brother and his bride. Tell me about California. I did not have the opportunity to visit there when I was in medical school in the States.”
    Los Angeles had only been his home base and little more. “I traveled a good deal of the time.”
    “Then tell me about that. I am sure you met many interesting people and saw many interesting sights.”
    He had seen devastation, drought, famine and disease. Sights he never cared to see again, especially in his own country. “I’m certain my experiences do not compare to yours as a physician.”
    She shook her head. “My experiences have been challenging since my return to Bajul. I am the only female doctor and the only one who will treat those who can pay very little, if at all. The others cater to the wealthier population.”
    That came as no surprise to Zain. “Your commitment is admirable, Maysa. Once I am fully in charge, I will make certain the hospital undergoes renovations and medical