Taming of the beast - Completed.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Dismayed, Callie jumped to Riyad's defence. "Oh, no, I have his blessing and organised the meeting. I could never do that by myself. Riyad's time is limited as it is. I would never take him from his duties," she rushed out, cheeks flushed.

"See what I mean," Riyad glanced at his mother. "Speaks her mind and always has my back."

"Yes, I do indeed; perhaps, you would allow me to join you instead. I would make it clear it was your idea, your project."

"No," Callie shook her head, and then winced, knowing how that sounded. "Oh, no, sorry I would love you to come, what I meant It will be a palace project," she corrected. "Once it is put into place, implemented, and followed through. I could put all my ideas on paper. Riyad would help me when he is free and one can pick what will work." Hand trembling, she tucked hair behind her ear, wiping dry lips with her tongue. "I mean, I would hate to disappoint anyone if we, I suddenly leave." Searching out Riyad, who was frowning. Oops, probably shouldn't have said that reaching across, removed a glass of juice and took a deep drink.

"Leave?" his mother prompted.

"What my wife is saying, we have not discussed what our plans are and do not want to disappoint or leave anything unfinished."

"I would be greatly honoured if you joined me," Callie added, even though her stomach was doing backflips at the thought.

"Good. The meeting is at twelve, so we shall depart by eleven-thirty."

Not quite what she had planned, although nodded in agreement, after all, who was she to argue with a queen, ignoring Riyad's questioning glance. "That would be lovely. I can still bring May, without her I don't know what I would do, she is marvellous."

"Of course."

"Perhaps mother you could meet Callie there," Riyad suggested.

"Do not be silly, we will talk on the way. I can advise Callie on how to talk to the bureaucrats. This is your show and I would act as your adviser." Somehow that was worse, Callie's heart sinking.

"Wonderful," she gave a weak smile, taking another drink.

"Good, good," his mother stood, followed by both of them. "You must be in the main courtyard, ready to leave by eleven-thirty. One must never be late."

"Yes, I will be there," Callie promised, like fifteen minutes before head of time. Now seeing where Riyad's rigid thing about time came from. It was bred into them, something that she had to get used to.

Joining Riyad side, they walked Johara back inside and saw her to the entrance to the apartment, Callie releasing a breath as the door closed. Riyad glanced across. "Sorry about that, my mother tends to take over." Riyad sighed as the door closed, turning towards Callie.

"No, it's fine, and I'm sure things will move more efficiently now. What do I know about such things, how it all works?"

Riyad shook his head, reaching out, touching her arm, drawing her full attention, warming under his touch. "Not what I meant. I know you planned to go earlier to spend time with the children. Do not deny it," he stated as her lips parted to dispute that.

"Probably did me a favour. I can spend time to write a list of what I would like to see, put in writing my vision. Also, have questions ready, prepared. Your mother will be a significant benefit. I just hope I don't fall short."

"You worry far too much, we can deal with anything, together. I never foresaw this happening. It is a good thing, Callie. You have put yourself out there, doing good for our people."

Riyad stepped even closer, cradling the side of her face in his other hand, tilting her face towards his, falling into his golden hooded eyes. "You have done me proud, Callie," his husky voice swirled around her, wrapping her in an invisible bubble of warmth, focused on his shapely inviting mouth that begged to be kissed, licking her suddenly dry lips.