“Kateb has always been a bit of a black sheep,” Lina reminded the king.

Her brother glared at her. “No son of mine is a sheep. He is powerful and cunning like a lion of the desert or a jackal.”

“So he is the black jackal of the family.”

“Woman, you will not act this way,” Mukhtar roared in a fair imitation of a lion.

Lina remained unimpressed. “Do you see me cowering, brother? Have you ever seen me cowering?”

“No, and you are poorer for it.”

She covered her mouth as she pretended to yawn.

His gaze narrowed. “You are intent only on your own amusement? You have no advice for me?”

“I do have advice, but I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m listening.”

Not according to his body language, Lina thought humorously. But she was used to her brother being imperious. Having him ask for her advice was a big step for him. She should go with it.

“I have been in communication with King Hassan of Bahania,” she said.

“Why?”

She sighed. “This will go much faster if you don’t interrupt me every thirty seconds.”

Mukhtar raised his eyebrows but didn’t speak.

She recognized the slightly stubborn expression. He thought he was being protective and concerned, making sure she was kept safe from the evilness of the world. Right. Because the very handsome king of Bahania was so likely to swoop down and ravish her forty-three-year-old self.

Not that she would say no to a little ravishing, she thought wistfully. Her marriage had ended years before when her beloved husband had died unexpectedly. She’d always meant to remarry and have a family, but somehow that had never happened. She’d been busy being an aunt to Mukhtar’s six boys. There had been much to do in the palace. Somehow she’d never found the time…or a man who interested her.

Until Hassan. The widower king was older, but vital and charming. Not to mention, he was the first man who had caught her attention in years. But was he intrigued by her? She just couldn’t tell.