Unknown Royal Baby

Epilogue

‘YAY ! ’ S HAKIL BOUNCED in his seat, clapping.

Beside him, Isam smiled indulgently. Over his son’s head he caught Avril’s gaze. Laughter lurked in those golden-brown depths.

‘I know it’s not approved royal behaviour,’ Isam murmured as their son jumped to his feet in the grandstand, still applauding. ‘But he’s young and excited for Maryam.’

He was determined the children’s education in royal behaviour would be tempered with the fun of simply being children. He wanted them to have balance in their lives as he now did. Thanks to his beloved wife.

Shakil loved football and couldn’t wait to go to school next year and join the local schools’ football competition. To him, having his older sister’s team win their grade competition was the next best thing.

Beside Shakil, his twin, Sara, applauded just as enthusiastically. But Isam knew that when they returned to the palace, instead of picking up a football or basketball, she’d curl up with a picture book or draw today’s events with her prized new coloured pencils.

He and Avril were blessed with children who were all fascinating individuals. He wondered what the future would bring them and knew that, whatever it held, there’d be an abundance of love.

‘What are you thinking, Isam?’ Avril had risen to her feet and paused beside him.

Isam rose, catching her hand in his and drawing her closer. Inevitably there’d be cameras trained on them but by now Zahdaris were accustomed to seeing signs of affection between their sheikh and sheikha. The friends and VIPs sitting around them didn’t even turn to look.

‘I’m thinking how very lucky I am to share this with you, sweetheart.’ His gesture encompassed the children beside them and their older daughter down on the football field, lined up with all the others who had participated in the schools’ competition. His words were pitched for Avril’s ears alone. ‘You make me whole.’

She stood there, in her dress of amber silk, wearing the heirloom ring he’d given her and matching ruby earrings. But it wasn’t what she wore that made her gorgeous, it was her inner beauty and the light of love in her eyes.

Suddenly he became aware of the silence around them as the crowd waited for the VIPs to reach the microphone and begin the presentations.

His wife blinked, eyes bright. ‘You do pick your moments, Your Majesty. But just so you know, I feel exactly the same.’ She leaned in and whispered in his ear. ‘Let’s continue this discussion when we’re home and the children are asleep.’

Isam squeezed her hand then released it, feeling the zing of anticipation low in his body.

He sat down and watched as Avril made her way to the podium where she and one of Zahdar’s most internationally successful athletes would begin the presentations.

Applause swirled around the stands. For the children on the field and for the two women on the podium who were both crowd favourites.

Sara came and sat on his knee to get a better view. Shakil climbed onto his other leg and Isam cuddled them both close. Then he lifted his gaze to his beloved wife, his smile full of pride and love.