Annie West - Demanding His Desert Queen

Duty-bound at the altar...

Passionately reunited in his bed!

Desert prince Karim needs a bride to ensure his smooth ascension to the throne. Intelligent, captivating Queen Safiyah is the perfect choice, yet the pain of their broken engagement remains.

This time Karims demands are simple: a diplomatic agreement, nothing more, for their countrys sake. But Safiyahs reunion with Karim, the man she was forbidden from loving, is anything but convenient! Duty may have brought them back together, but its their undeniable bond that will force them to confront a still-burning desire...

Im saying that if you agree to marry, Ill consider changing my mind about accepting the sheikhdom.

Well, that put her in her place. Safiyah felt the air whoosh from her lungs, her chest crumpling with the force of that outward breath. Even if she agreed to marriage, it might not be enough to persuade Karim.

Not that hed asked her to marry. Hed put it out there like some clause in a business contract.

Safiyah felt hot blood creep up her throat and into her cheeks.

She wanted to let rip. To tell him he was an arrogant jerk, despite his royal blood. Marriage had taught her that royals were no more perfect than anyone else. If anything, the ability to command not only great wealth but the obedience of everyone around you could amplify a persons character flaws.

But she didnt have the luxury of plain speaking. This wasnt about her. It was about her sons future, his safety. As well as the future of their country.

Growing up near the beach, Annie West spent lots of time observing tall, burnished lifeguardsearly research! Now she spends her days fantasizing about gorgeous men and their love lives. Annie has been a reader all her life. She also loves travel, long walks, good company and great food. You can contact her at or via PO Box 1041, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, Australia.

Books by Annie West

Harlequin Presents

Seducing His Enemys Daughter

Inherited for the Royal Bed

Her Forgotten Lovers Heir

The Greeks Forbidden Innocent

One Night With Consequences

Contracted for the Petrakis Heir

A Vow to Secure His Legacy

Secret Heirs of Billionaires

The Desert Kings Secret Heir

Passion in Paradise

Wedding Night Reunion in Greece

Royal Brides for Desert Brothers

Sheikhs Royal Baby Revelation

The Princess Seductions

His Majestys Temporary Bride

The Greeks Forbidden Princess

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Annie West

Demanding His Desert Queen

For Marianne Knip,

the first of my German readers I was lucky to meet.

Marianne, thank you for your continuing friendship.

Your warmth and your enthusiasm for my stories are precious to me.

Ich hoffe, wir begleiten weiterhin gemeinsam viele Liebespaare auf ihren Weg ins Glck.

Contents

T HE ANSWER IS NO .

Karims voice was harsher than usual, sharp rather than simply firm. The Assaran envoys suggestion had stunned him. It seemed, despite his actions five years ago, he was still a part of Middle Eastern politics.

Karim stared through the window at the panorama of sapphire lake, verdant foothills and Swiss mountains, yet felt none of the calm the view was supposed to inspire. He spun around, ignoring the quickened beat of his pulse and the clench of his gut.

But, Your Highness...

Karim stiffened at the words. I no longer use a royal title.

He watched the envoy absorb that.

Sir, at least take time to consider. You havent yet heard the Royal Councils reasoning.

It was an enormous honour to be asked to take the Assaran throne. Especially since Karim wasnt Assaran. He came from the neighbouring kingdom of Zadaq, where his brother now ruled.

Karim wouldnt accept the Assaran crown. Yet he wondered why the Council was looking beyond its borders for a new sheikh. What about the heir? He knew the recently deceased ruler of Assara had left behind a wife and son.

When Karim realised the direction of his thoughts he sliced them off. But not quickly enough to dispel the sour tang on his tongue.

Please, sir.

The man looked distressed. Karim knew his visitor would be blamed for failing in his mission. If it was discovered hed been ejected by Karim in mere minutes...

Stifling a sigh, he gestured to the lounge. Take a seat. You might as well be comfortable.

The presidential suite of this exclusive hotel might be comfortable, but sadly it hadnt proved exclusive enough to prevent this unwanted diplomatic delegation. As the hotels new owner, Karim would change that.

Thank you, sir.

Even so, he waited till Karim had taken a seat facing him. Deference towards royalty was ingrained in the man. Even royals whod renounced their regal claim.

For a mad moment Karim considered revealing the truth and ending this farce. But hed vowed not to. His brother Ashraf had enough to deal with, imprinting his own stamp on Zadaq. He didnt need full-blown family scandal as well.

Their father had believed Ashraf, the younger brother, was the result of an affair between their mother and the man shed later run off with. It had only been as the old Sheikh lay dying that theyd discovered Ashraf was legitimate.

Instead Karim, the firstborn, the one groomed from infancy to take the throne, was the cuckoo in the nest.

When, soon after, the old Sheikh had died, Karim had renounced the Zadaqi throne in favour of his brother. No one but the brothers knew the scandalous reason for his decision.

The Council has given this its deepest consideration since the tragic death of our Sheikh.

Karim nodded. The Assaran Kings death had come out of the blue. But surely theres an heir?

If the envoy noticed Karims voice had turned to gravel, he didnt show it.

Yes, but hes far too young to take up the reins of government. If the boy were older...a teenager, perhaps...a regent might be appointed to rule in his stead and help guide him. Given his extreme youth, the Council has decided unanimously that its better for the country to find a new sheikh.

Thus disinheriting the child? Karim had never met the boy. Intended never to meet him. Yet he felt for the child. His own brother would have been denied his true birthright if disapproving old men had had their way.

Our constitution is different from yours in Zadaq, sir. In Assara what we propose is quite legitimate. The crown is passed from adult male to adult male.

Karim nodded. This wasnt his battle to fight. He was only hearing the envoy out so the man could tell his masters hed done his best.

Surely there are suitable leaders in Assara? You dont need to go outside your country.

Especially to a man whod already turned his back on one sheikhdom.

The envoy pursed his lips, clearly taking time to choose his words. I need hardly say, sir, that the Councils deliberations are in strictest confidence.

Naturally. Karim nodded. You have my assurance that nothing you say will leave this room.

It would have been easier to end the meeting and send the man away. But Karims curiosity was roused. Hed spent years building his investment business in lieu of ruling a country. But some things hadnt diedsuch as his interest in state affairs.