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offices are added. Perhaps then you can receive pay for your services.”
    “I do not need the money as much as the people need my help,” she said. “Fortunately, my father has allowed me to live in his palatial second home regardless that I have failed him as a daughter. He is also kind enough to provide the funds to keep the household going, though I despise taking even one riyal from him.”
    Zain could not imagine a father considering his daughter a failure after she had established a successful medical career. But then Maysa’s father had always been an ass. “Does the sultan come to visit often?”
    She released a bitter laugh. “Oh, no. He is either in Saudi or Yemen with my poor mother, building his fortune so that he may provide for his many mistresses.”
    Maysa had the same issues with her father as Zain had always had with his. “I believe I recall you were bound to a betrothal at one time. I take it that did not come to fruition.”
    “Actually, it did. Two weeks after the wedding, I realized that contrary to our culture, a woman does not need a man to survive. It took some effort to obtain a divorce, but I managed it. And Father has not forgiven me for it.”
    “I’m certain it hasn’t been easy on you.”
    She shrugged. “I realized there would be those who would shun me because of my decision, yet I refused to let that deter me. No man will ever dictate my future.”
    Zain couldn’t help but smile when he thought about Madison. She and Maysa were very much alike. Yet he felt more than brotherly fondness for Madison.
    “Do you find me amusing, Your Highness? ” Maysa asked.
    “No. You reminded me of someone else I know.”
    “Someone special?”
    Perhaps too special for his own good. “Actually, she is a political consultant Rafiq hired to save me from myself.”
    “She has a huge task ahead of her then.”
    “Believe me, she is up to the task. She is also very headstrong, and extremely intelligent. Fortunately, she has a sense of humor, as well. Sometimes I find her frustrating, other times extremely intriguing.”
    “Is she attractive?”
    “Yes, but her attractiveness goes well beyond her physical appearance. She is one of the most fascinating women I have ever encountered.”
    She inclined her head and studied him. “You have feelings for her.”
    Maysa’s comment took him aback. “She is an employee.”
    “An employee who has hypnotized you, Zain. Perhaps the sheikh has met his match in more ways than one.”
    “That is absurd,” he said without much conviction. “I have only known her a few days.”
    “Yet it is those immediate connections that at times make a lasting impact on our lives.”
    From the wistfulness in Maysa’s tone, Zain recognized she spoke from experience. “Even if I did develop these feelings you speak of, we both know a permanent relationship with an outsider could never happen.”
    She drummed her fingertips on the tabletop. “Ah, yes. We are back to the antiquated tradition of marrying our own kind. You have the power to change that.”
    “I have other changes to make that are more important. Changes that will affect the future of this country.”
    “And you are not concerned about your own future?” she asked. “Would you give up a chance at finding love for a tradition that should have died long ago?”
    He was too tired to defend his decisions, which led to his next request. “Would you have an available room where I could stay the night?”
    “I have twelve bedrooms at your disposal,” she said. “But will you not be missed?”
    He would, but he did not care. “Deeb knows where I am.”
    “Zain, although it is truly not any of my concern, you cannot hide away when times become difficult.”
    He tossed his napkin aside. “Then you’ve heard about the latest accusations.”
    “I was there when you spoke this morning. You had everyone in the palm of your hand until that himar intruded.”
    Zain had considered calling him something much