Bahia asked nothing, but gave her a long look. “Nothing will come of it, God willing,” she said. “But you did well to send for someone. Where is Karim?”

“Asleep upstairs.”

“Maryam, go and fetch him.”

“The third door on the right,” said Amira.

When Maryam returned with the sleepy little boy, Bahia had coffee ready. “Go out on the patio, Highness,” she said, using the honorific for the first time, “and we will serve you in style.”

She had hardly said it when they heard male voices from the front of the house and someone cried out, “Woman, veil yourself.”

Bahia and Amira exchanged a glance. Both had noticed the use of “woman,” not “women.”

Ali’s cousin Abdul burst into the kitchen. Three other men followed. Two of them Amira had never seen; the third seemed familiar, although she couldn’t quite place him.

“Amira, what’s going on?” Abdul seemed surprised to see Bahia and Maryam.

“What do you mean, Abdul?”

“We come to visit your husband, and the front door is open.” “Naturally, we feared something might be wrong,” said the man Amira couldn’t quite recognize.

“Yes, we thought something was wrong,” echoed Abdul. “The door was open? You mean ajar?”

“Yes.”

“Ali must have left it open on his way out.”

“Your husband isn’t here, then?” The familiar-looking man had hot, hard, inquisitorial eyes.

“He had an appointment early this morning. But I’m sure he’ll be back soon. Please make yourselves at home. I’ll have Bahia bring you coffee. Have you eaten?”

“And your houseguest?” asked Abdul. Amira had never liked him, and even the familiar-looking man looked pained at his lack of subtlety.

“Dr. Rochon? What about him?”

“Where is he?”

“Why, asleep, I suppose. I haven’t seen him this morning.” “Is that so?”

“Yes, it’s so. Abdul, what are all these questions? Is something the matter?” “Who are these women? They aren’t your regular servants.”

“My husband saw fit to dismiss the regular servants for the day. Bahia and Maryam have been servants of my family all my life, and I asked them for help.”

“Loyal servants, who will do anything for you, are a blessing from God,” said the familiar-looking man.

“When did they arrive here?” Abdul pressed. “They’ve been here almost all morning.” “Almost all morning,” said the angry-eyed man.

Amira had had enough. “Gentlemen, I’m only a woman, but I must remind you that I am the wife of a royal prince, and this is his house. Abdul, you should appreciate that as much as anyone. You say you came to see my husband. I suggest that you save your questions for him.”

“What questions? What’s going on here?” It was Ali. He stood in the doorway, face flushed as if with excitement.