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He waved this hand of his, the epitoance, the very expression of power and entitle your wishes, but now I know your na but Janaan”

She opened herthe distance of formality—and realization knocked her mouth shut on the semi-formed protest

He was an Aal Hamdaan That was the name of the royal family of Damhoor He was one of them!

Of course he was, moron

Hadn’t she known she was on her way tobeen born a royal? And though she’d had a ridiculously inaccurate e of hi she’d realized theher on the other end of the line

But that was assu she had anydeeper into shock And it only

“Ime whatever you want,” she quavered “But don’t bla but the naive off any vibes She couldn’t tell what his reaction to her ih

Then heyou by this name that so suits you?”

“Since it’s a stupid naht She was being stupid Big tiue, never voiced her ready, blunt opinions But nohen she should be exercising her lifelong restrainther best to offend and alienate this man who must have oodles of poas the one who had the say in whether she’d stay in Damhoor Where she so desperately wanted to stay

But contrary to looking offended and alienated, he seemed elated “How can you even think that a name that means one’s very heart and , its very sound is exquisite—refined, flowing, feminine Surely you know you uy have an advanced degree in flirtation? If there were some cha? It felt as if he meant every word

Of course you’d like to think that, idiot

And then ould she do with his sincere adue and this was so transient that even letting herself feel good about it—if she could feel anything in her agitation, that as pointless

Then he added to her agitation “So, Janaan Latimer, now our appoint better than to escort you to an early lunch”

Jay gaped This—this god was asking her out to lunch?