“From who?” Imani opened the attached envelope. Only one short sentence was written on the card inside.
No more toads.
Her heart fluttered, and she smiled through the biting of her lip.
Damon leaned in and peered at the card. “No more toads?”
Imani clutched the message to her chest and pursed her lips. “Mind your business.”
“What does that mean?”
Instead of answering, Imani walked around the desk, set down her purse, and sat in the leather chair. Crossing her legs, she sniffed the petals of the single rose, which reminded her of how the front entrance of Wasim’s home smelled. Roses were among the flowers he used in the fountain in the foyer.
“Don’t you have work to do?” she asked pointedly.
“So you’re not going to tell me?”
“Bye, Daman.”
“Those better be from Prince Wasim, or I’m telling.” He sent her a pointed look as he walked out of the room.
Imani failed at fighting the smile that came to her face. Wasim certainly had his own cheerleading section. She didn’t doubt for a minute that Daman would rat her out to Wasim if she stepped out of line. Women loved him and men admired him.
Her gaze lingered on the beautiful flowers, and she tapped a finger on the desktop. Should she call him now? He might be busy, but she wanted to thank him.
“Call him now,” she said aloud, laughing to herself.
She dialed his number, and it rang three times before he answered.
“Hello, Prince Wasim.” Imani winced, embarrassed at the sound of her voice. She sounded extra sweet and downright coquettish.
“Hello, Ambassador Karunzika. Did you get my gift? I hope the color was okay. I couldn’t find lavender roses.”
When he talked like that, with his voice low and warmth seeping through the words, he made her pulse go crazy.
“Yes, I received them and the color is fine. The flowers are beautiful. Toads?” She smiled.
“I’m wishing you the best moving forward. You’re too good for the toads of the world.”
Her nipples tightened fractionally. The compliment and small gesture of sending flowers had her head floating above the clouds.
This is pretend, she reminded herself.
“Thank you. That was very thoughtful. How are things coming with the technology expo?”
“Looking good so far. I expect it to be very successful.”
“Not bad for your first time.”
“Not bad at all,” he agreed.
“How is he?” Imani asked gently. She’d gone to spend time with the king the other day, and it was never clearer that death was nigh.
“Doing well, though it seems since he knows the kingdom will be fine, the weight that has been taken off his shoulders has made him more relaxed. Almost as if he’s…letting go.” His voice thickened toward the end.
Imani shut her eyes and absorbed his pain. “If there’s anything I can do, you’ll let me know, won’t you? I hope you know I mean that.”
“I will. And Imani, thank you for doing this.”
