Page 109 of The Billionaire's Timed Wife

“I expected nothing less,” my father finally says. He stands and walks to the balcony. “Your people are with you,” he says, pointing to the crowd outside the palace.

Amin told me they’ve gathered for a vigil at the hospital, calling themselves soldiers sworn to defend my heir to the death.

Tears sting my eyes. I’m moved by the love and solidarity of my people.

The whole city is awake. The news spread like wildfire. They’re praying for my wife and child, demanding justice for whoever tried to harm them.

“I just wish I understood the reason behind all this.”

“Anger at me for taking her son’s place as sheikh?” I say, only because he’s my father and deserves respect. Truthfully, whatever the motive, I don’t give a damn.

The law will be applied to the letter.

In Rheadur, only murder, not attempted murder, is punishable by death.

But there’s one exception: any attack against a member of the Royal Family. In that case, the death penalty is automatic, whether the attempt succeeds or not. Even the act of planning it guarantees execution.

“I don’t know if she did it because you replaced Naim. She always knew that day would come.”

“Then why?”

“Who can know what lies in another’s heart?”

“She has no heart, Father. If she did, she wouldn’t have targeted two innocents.”

“Perhaps you’re right. I think the only person Eiza ever loved was her son, Naim.”

I know their marriage was arranged. Even after years together, anyone could see there was no intimacy between them, unlike what I remember between my parents.

The other wives used to complain that my mother got the best of everything: her wing of the palace, her clothes, her jewelry.

I don’t believe that. My father is a generous man; he would never mistreat or disrespect his wives. But love can’t be faked, and I believe he truly loved my mother.

“You don’t have to be there when we interrogate her tomorrow. I know it won’t be easy.”

“No, I want to. I need to look into the eyes of the woman who tried to kill my grandchild.”

Later that night

I’m exhausted.

After Sajida’s interrogation and the talk with my father, I addressed the people, assuring them justice would be done. Only then could I return to my wife.

I sent Daisy and Jazmina back to the palace to rest. Their rooms were searched, then placed under guard. Until every culprit is caught, I won’t take any more chances.

The doctor hasn’t discharged my wife yet; he wants to wait for tomorrow’s test results to determine whether she’ll need further treatment to cleanse her body of that damned herb.

I decided to stay here too. I couldn’t sleep away from her anyway.

I feel like a lion guarding his mate and cub, so territorial I worry I might suffocate her.

When I arrived, the hospital bed had been replaced with a double one, far more comfortable. I have no doubt that was Amin’s idea. He knows me too well and knew I’d never let my wife out of my sight.

I just showered and changed into a clean tunic. I usually sleep naked, but I’d rather not give the nurses a heart attack if they walk in to check on her.

We’re lying together, and little by little, some of the tension leaves my body.

Adeela hasn’t cried again, and to my surprise, she wanted to know the details of the interrogation.