31
KALUGAL
The breakfast table groaned under the weight of excess food. Fresh pita bread, multiple varieties of cheese, olives, honey, jam, boiled eggs, ful medames, and enough other dishes to feed twice their number.
"Everything is so good." Jasmine helped herself to the fava beans. "Are we going to have fresh food on the flight or the same frozen meals as on the way here?"
Kalugal stifled the urge to roll his eyes. He was providing them with luxury transportation, and they were complaining about the service?
"Not the same, but still frozen. I have it delivered by a company that provides the same service to other small airlines. Perhaps I should bring Atzil with me the next time and have him prepare everything fresh on board."
Jasmine caught the sarcastic tone in his voice and lifted a placating hand. "I'm not complaining. The ready-made meals were fantastic. It's just that this is better, and I'm going to miss the variety."
"We can always replicate it back home." Kalugal poured coffee for Jacki. "I'll suggest it to Atzil. He's familiar with most of these dishes."
"Are you going to invite us?" Ell-rom asked.
Kalugal flashed him a smile. "Of course, my dear uncle."
There was no harm in reminding the prince of their familial connection. Everyone tended to forget that Annani and Areana were half-sisters, and that Kalugal's father was the grandson of Ekin, Ahn's half-brother. Essentially, they had the same blood running in their veins, mixed in with other enhancements.
He still didn't know what power Ell-rom was hiding under his stoic façade, but it had to be something major for Kian to keep it such a secret. Normally, Kalugal had no problem discovering everything Kian tried to keep from him, but this time, the security and secrecy around Ell-rom's abilities were tight.
When Joseph walked in from the kitchen carrying a fresh pot of coffee, Kalugal knew he wasn't there just to refill their cups, but he played along, lifting his empty one.
"Is Hamid here yet?" he asked.
"Yes, sir." Joseph poured the fragrant brew. "Should I show him into your study?"
Kalugal frowned at Joseph, who should have known better. "I don't allow anyone in my study while I'm not there. Keep him entertained until I'm done with breakfast."
Joseph swallowed. "Yes, sir. I will invite him to wait in my office."
"Excellent. I'll see him after breakfast."
The poor man looked like he had barely slept, and his brain was not operating on all cylinders. He'd probably been up late preparing detailed notes about the house's operations for his replacement. It seemed like Joseph was under the illusion that he was leaving with them later today.
Kalugal needed to have a talk with him and explain that he had to stay for a few weeks to train Hamid. Notes were great, but they couldn't replace in-person training.
"This is incredible," Kyra said, spreading soft white cheese on her bread. "What is it?"
"Domiati," Jacki said. "It's made from buffalo milk."
As the talk around the table continued about local delicacies, Kalugal rose to his feet. "If you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to."
"Hamid's interview?" Jacki asked.
"Among other things." He bent to kiss her cheek. "It shouldn't take long."
On his way to the study, Kalugal sent a text to Joseph to bring Hamid there.
Ahmed's son looked a lot like his father and carried himself with a similar, former military manner. "Thank you for seeing me, sir." He bowed.
"Sit, please." Kalugal motioned at the two chairs in front of his desk as he took his place behind it. "Your father has been working for me for many years, and Joseph speaks highly of you."
"He is too kind, sir."
Kalugal chuckled. "Joseph is many things, but overly kind isn't one of them. He says you are trustworthy, which is top priority for me, and that you have a good head for logistics."
