In a gesture that was becoming habitual, Ali checked his watch. “A thou- sand apologies, my friend, but duty calls. I’m overdue at the palace. My brother Ahmad is late, too—he’s supposed to be here to help welcome you. I’m sure he’ll show up any minute. Meanwhile, my home is yours.”

Amira looked at him in some confusion. It would be improper for her to entertain a male guest alone.

Ali noticed her uncertainty. “It’s all right. As I said, Ahmad will be here any minute—and anyway, we can’t leave our guest unattended. Have someone show him his room, let him freshen up. I’ve talked the poor man to death.”

With another smile, he was gone. Amira looked at Philippe and he at her. She wanted to rush to his arms but dared not; what if someone saw? “It’s good to have you here,” she said simply.

He looked at her intently. “Do you still want to leave, Amira?” Her voice sounded tiny when she said yes.

“You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

“I may have a way. But this is no time to talk about it.” “No.”

A moment later, Ahmad strode in. If he thought anything about Amira’s presence in the room with Philippe, it didn’t show. He was as quiet and somber as Ali was effusive. Behind him came two of Ali’s cousins. In the crowd of men, Amira felt distinctly out of place, and she quickly excused herself.

In the women’s world, she dealt mechanically with the servants. Philippe had a plan. What would it be?

And whatever it was, could she really do it? Yes, she told herself. Yes, she could.

19. Remali Police

Remali Police

Determination was one thing. Opportunity was another. For three days, Amira never had a moment alone with Philippe. The festival swept along like a hurrying caravan, pausing only for prayer or sleep. The palace grounds were thrown open to the public, fire pits cut into the manicured lawns, and tents set up in which an army of cooks fed roasted lamb and seasoned rice to all comers until the small hours of the morning.

The foreign embassies vied with one another in offering brunches, lunches, and formal dinners to invited guests. There were horse and camel races by day, fireworks by night, hospitality and conversation at all hours.

At midweek fell a Great Majlis at which any Remali might raise a grievance before the king himself. On this occasion, most of the petitioners brought not complaints but congratulations, every village sheikh striving to put in a few words of praise and fidelity.