The fireball of the sun painted the sky in orange and rich red ochre. The fierce heat had gone out of the day and a light breeze had come like a ghostly spirit to tease the fronds of the date palms that fringed the oasis below. This was his favourite time of the day. A time of peace and reflection before the night closed in, with just the peepholes of the stars and planets scattered like diamonds over the deep black velvet of the night sky. He had made the announcement to his father and his press secretary a short time ago while he left Abby resting. The palace would be awash with paparazzi by morning, but he knew he was doing the right thing by offering her the security and protection of marriage. It was a daunting prospect for her to marry into a royal household, but he had assured her she would receive every bit of support she needed. He had taken care of everything so she could settle into her new role as his bride-to-be. The wedding would take place in a month’s time, and then and only then would they announce the news of the baby.
