Predator / Nomad a novel

By Daniel Micko

Dr. Jordan Roberts is a bit of a prodigy in her field of medicine, specifically genetics. Quick to bed the charismatic doctor, Saleh, a Saudi Princess and transgender security detail for her brother, must then deal with some emotional fallout. Has she actually been sleeping with the enemy? And if so, who is the enemy working for? When Saleh dig

• Language: English
• Publisher: 770 Publishing
• Release date: Aug 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9781737202110

Daniel Micko

Daniel Micko is biracial male born in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelors of arts degree, majoring in film and minoring in English. After that, he graduated from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, California, with a master of fine arts in filmmaking. He resides in the Bay Area, working on projects and writing in his spare time.

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Contents

1

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1998

2

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Milan, Italy

1998

3

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Sana’a, Yemen

1998

4

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1998

5

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1998

6

Princess Saleh Aisha bint Bandar al Saud

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1999

7

Princess Saleh Aisha bint Bandar al Saud

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1999

8

Princess Saleh Aisha bint Bandar al Saud

San Francisco, California

2000

9

Princess Saleh Aisha bint Bandar al Saud

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

2000

10

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Bogota, Columbia

2001

11

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

12

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Washington, D.C.

2002

13

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

14

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

15

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

16

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

17

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

18

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

19

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

20

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

21

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

22

Sean Sorensen

Afghanistan

1999

23

Sean Sorensen

Afghanistan

2000

24

Sean Sorensen

Saudi Arabia

2000

25

James Butcher

San Francisco, California

2001

26

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

27

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

28

James Butcher

San Francisco, California

2001

29

Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2002

30

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

31

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

32

James Butcher

San Francisco, California

2002

33

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

34

James Butcher

Ft. Gordon, Georgia

1998

35

James Butcher

Pristina, Kosovo

1998

36

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

37

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

38

Officer Price Laurel

San Francisco, California

2003

Preface

Shape Shape

In 1845, Henry David Thoreau travels to a woodland area outside Concord, Massachusetts, and builds a cabin. Over the next two years, Thoreau examines (among other things) the idea of the social deviant in detail. Praise and critique aside, Thoreau takes the time to examine his ideas in depth. Ideas possibly drilling a hole through his mind.

Ideas come to us often. Do we take the time to write them down? Examine them or create a plan to execute? Few of us have the luxury of going to the woods and building a cabin. Thoreau did it to great success, but so did Ted Kaczynski. What would have happened if these people did not move out to the woods and explore their thoughts? What would our lives look like as a result?

Some critics say that mentioning great writers in your work is vain. On that notion, we take vanity further. As we gaze into the mirror, we ask: what is necessary to achieve goals? What are our dreams pushing us to become? Goals and goal setting, what does it do to our minds?

If . . . the machine of government . . . is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.

—Henry David Thoreau, On the Duty of Civil Disobedience, 1849

This quote alludes to transcendentalism but also justifies many acts. Conversely, we have to remember that the difference between a social deviant and a psychopath is razor-thin. Transcendentalism emphasizes self-reliance, non-conformity, and inter-relationships. Merely staring at these words evokes anxiety and the thought of manipulation. Self-reliance alludes to self-help or self-improvement. In turn, are not all criminals on the road to reform? Non-conformity is a quick shift to one word: anarchy. Look up interrelationships, and eventually, the path leads to reality television.

However, apply each of these concepts to societal integration and new thoughts emerge. Thoreau believed transcendentalism stresses the importance of nature. What do vegetarians believe? What do vegans believe? Social Deviants use self-reliance, non-conformity, and interrelationships to achieve their goals. Remembering the Social Deviant depends on the violence of action, leading a bunch of people across the Edmund Pettus Bridge is, in fact, an act of social deviance. At the same time, setting oneself on fire inside Tiananmen Square is also the act of social deviance but more importantly, also the act of a psychopath.

All in all, remember this, the people one befriends, the people one reacts to, and the people one follows, molds the person. One does not have a choice. All of these people change the individual, right down to the molecule. What goals will they drive us to achieve?

1

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Buraydah, Saudi Arabia

1998

  W ith control of a minor city near Buraydah, in the al-Quassim region, Prince Faruq has won the governor ’ s seat. As emir of a small emirate, there ’ s a parade. All the buildings are decorated with lights and streamers. Even the capital building has decorations. Billboards randomly guide the parade route, some with pictures of Prince Faruq, some with pictures of his parents . 

Armed forces march in full uniform. The prince rides in a carriage, just like the royals in Britain. Guards walk next to the transport advancing down the parade route. All soldiers are armed with loaded rifles. It’s a spectacle. Citizens cheer. The prince waves back, smiling. The parade is exceptional. It’s meant for the people, but it doesn’t compare to the reception afterward, at the palace.

Before the prince comes in, his parents are announced, followed by various dignitaries from the region. Even the crowned prince of Saudi Arabia visits the small al-Quassim region and offers his blessing.

In the palace, after the formal inauguration ceremony, everyone waits for the prince. A royal advisor, probably a cleric from the local mosque, announces, Ladies and gentlemen, Emir Prince Faruq bint Bandar al Saud!

The crowd cheers in applause, and Prince Faruq stands for all the reception to see. Dr. Roberts is in the crowd, cheering with all the others. In her professional or personal life, she never thought she would attend such a lavish event. It’s truly an honor.

Once the formalities have been observed, the partygoers are allowed to get up and socialize. There’s a buffet line and live music, perfect for meeting new people. Dr. Roberts strikes up a conversation with a person she thinks is a palace guard. However, this person is not a palace guard. He is a personal bodyguard to Prince Faruq… and he is not a ‘he’ at all.

Is it difficult? Dr. Roberts asks.

The guard turns to address the doctor.

I said, is it difficult? Dr. Roberts asks again.

The guard cocks his head to one side. What do you mean?

Dr. Roberts smiles. Well, I was going to ask about guarding the prince, but I have a different question.

What is your name? The guard extends his hand.

I’m Jordan Roberts. I’m a doctor. Jordan shakes the guard’s hand.

You have other questions? The guard asks.

I do, but I don’t want to offend you, Jordan replies.

If you have an odd question, lower your voice and whisper.

Jordan looks left, looks right, and then whispers to the guard, You look very feminine. You wouldn’t happen to be posing as a man, would you?

The guard smiles. You are in the medical profession? What field? He asks.

Jordan smiles back, Genetic research. Their hands are interlocked, and they notice. They pull away. They look around to see if anyone noticed. No one did.

Is it difficult? Jordan asks again.

"Is what difficult?"

Hiding in plain sight.

Not as difficult as you might think.

Jordan is pleasantly outraged. As I might think? I’m a pudgy white woman with a man’s haircut. You know what I think? I think we’re living the same life!

They both laugh at that.

Tell me about the prince. Do you have to stand outside while he’s with young women?

The guard shrugs. He lets me join in, sometimes.

Jordan almost spits out her champagne and shakes a finger at the guard. They both laugh at that.

Are you all right? The guard asks.

You caught me off guard, there.

The prince is a generous man, the guard says.

Jordan actually spits some of her drink out.

They laugh together.

The guard pats Jordan on the back. How’s your night going? Having fun so far?

Jordan sips her drink and composes herself. You know, I was simply coming here to beg the prince for research funding. I didn’t expect to get such a stimulating conversation.

The guard nods. Maybe I can introduce you two.

That would be great. How well do you know the prince?

I’ve known him since we were little.

Ah, childhood friends. What’s your name? Jordan asks.

The guard pauses and says, Saleh.

They shake hands again, and they both smile at each other.

Jordan is smitten. That’s a beautiful name. I’m pleased to meet you.

Likewise, Saleh says. What is your research about?

Have you heard of CRISPR?

I think so. Genetic splicing, right?

Jordan is impressed. Wow, you’re the first person outside the medical field that knows what CRISPR is.

I read a lot.

Well, I’m working on genetic splicing, cell regeneration, and organ 3D printing. It’s cutting edge. The first of its kind.

Saleh seems a little confused. CRISPR is brand new. It hasn’t been perfected.

It hasn’t been perfected, yet. But CRISPR isn’t my specialty. It’s just what I’m currently working on; what I need funding for.

What is your specialty? Saleh asks.

Jordan waits a dramatic moment, then says, It’s genetic accelerated growth.

Saleh scoffs. I don’t believe you.

Jordan smiles. Here’s my card. I’ll be in Saudi Arabia for a week or two. Please tell the prince I’d love to meet with him. Jordan gives a superior grin and walks away.

Saleh shakes her head.

* * *

After a few days, Jordan receives a call. It’s a quick message, Saleh says the newly crowned prince wants to meet with her. Jordan accepts. She calls back and says so verbally. A car is sent for her. She gets her meeting.

A black Suburban picks Jordan up. She wears a dress shirt and jeans. Business casual is the norm but that may mean something else for the royal family. Do they wear solid gold underwear? Jordan isn’t sure, but goes with what she knows. Hopefully, her clothes will be acceptable for the prince and whoever else that is around. By the way, Jordan has no idea what they are going to do or where they are going. Jordan’s knowledge of the area is limited to business acquaintances. She doesn’t know what Middle Eastern people do in their spare time. But oh well; she’ll face it head-on like everything else in her life. Good or bad, she’ll put her best foot forward.

Oddly enough, Jordan’s car stops at another hotel. This one is taller than her own, and has more glass. It’s mid-afternoon, so she sees the lights aren’t on yet. She imagines a magnificent sight at night. Hopefully, she can stay long enough with the prince to see it.

Upon arrival, at the hotel lobby, she is met before she gets to the front desk. It’s Saleh, dressed in a dress shirt and slacks. She’s accompanied by a massive bodyguard.

Jordan extends her hand. Pleased to see you again.

Saleh extends her hand as well. I do enjoy shaking your hand.

They smile at each other and then walk together to the elevator.

What floor are we going to? Jordan asks.

Penthouse, Saleh answers.

Woooow! 

That’s a good reaction, but wait until you see it. Saleh grins.

Jordan smiles. Yes, ma’am. You look very nice today. Just wanted to say that.

Saleh simply stares at the elevator wall until they reach the penthouse. We’re here.

Upon the elevator door opening, Jordan sees a cornucopia of women, all of them between the ages of nineteen and twenty-six years old. All different nationalities. All of them well-dressed for lying about in a hotel penthouse. They’re all at home. Some play with each other’s hair, some paint their nails, and some chase each other for fun. Some argue with each other in real anger. There are about twenty girls here, and no sign of Prince Faruq.

Don’t get sidetracked, Saleh says. Follow me.

She leads Jordan to the bedroom of the penthouse and opens the doors, revealing the prince eating his brunch.

Faruq looks up, chewing eggs. Dr. Jordan Roberts?

Jordan steps forward with a smile. Hello, Your Highness.

Faruq raises a stern finger. Whoa, wait a minute. ‘Your Highness’? Excuse me, Doctor. You address me as Captain Magnificent.

Jordan looks to Saleh for help.

Saleh shrugs. You must address the prince as Captain Magnificent.

Jordan musters her senses. I apologize, Captain Magnificent.

Faruq bursts out in laughter and Saleh smiles.

I’m just kidding! Faruq states. I’m not a captain.

Saleh and Faruq laugh. Jordan smiles awkwardly.

Saleh pats her shoulder. The prince is just kidding.

Faruq gestures to the chair next to the bedroom table. Please, have a seat.

Saleh dismisses the bodyguards and the three of them are left alone at the table.

So, Doctor, you have an interesting craft, Faruq says.

Jordan nods. Yes, sir, but first I just want to make a statement.

Please do, says Faruq.

You two look like twins.

Faruq and Saleh look at each other.

Faruq says. Brother and sister, actually.

They smile.

Jordan giggles. I knew it. What do you tell the girls out there?

My sister loves girls, says Faruq.

Aren’t there restrictions on women in your country? Jordan asks.

Saleh speaks up. Well, none of these women are Saudi women.

Isn’t that worse? Jordan asks.

There is an awkward silence.

Saleh speaks up again. My brother is simply looking for the right girl.

Jordan fires back, Well, forgive me for asking. I know we’re here for a different subject, but how can you be the leader of this land when you take advantage of women like this?

Saleh gives Faruq a look that says, ‘She’s right.’

Faruq looks back at Jordan. Don’t you like women?

Jordan scoffs. I do, a lot actually, but this isn’t how I date.

Ah. Faruq smiles. Different customs, right?

Jordan concedes. Okay.

Faruq presses. I’d very much like to talk about your work, Doctor.

Right, Jordan says. I apologize for getting sidetracked.

Forgiven, Faruq says with a smile.

Saleh raises an eyebrow at Faruq.

Jordan goes on. As I was telling your sister at the coronation, I dabble in genetic research, but I specialize in accelerated growth.

Hormones? Faruq asks.

Jordan cocks her head to the side. Hormones, yes, but that isn’t the bulk of my work. Stem cells, genetic editing, stuff like that.

And what can growth acceleration do for me? Faruq asks.

Well, I understand your subjects are bordering on a plague; kids with polio, parents with malaria.

And you can cure my people of disease?

I can make your population disease-free in a few weeks.

Faruq scoffs. I’ll believe that when I see it. I’ve had many doctors here, and they can’t promise anything like that.

What’s happening to our people is a nightmare, Doctor. We’ve been told that almost half of the prince’s subjects are incurable, Saleh interject.

Jordan takes a deep breath. You know, some people define a tragedy as a nobleman making a choice that kills them.

That’s a man, Saleh says.

Jordan replies, I said them, not him.

You said nobleman. Saleh states.

Yes, and that definition was used over three hundred years ago. There’s nobility in my people. You have to define nobility for the modern age, Faruq follows up.

My point, Jordan says, is that it’s the choice that makes the tragedy. You can choose right now to save your people or not. The result of that choice will be a tragedy or not. I’m saying you can avoid the tragedy now.

We get it, Faruq says.

There’s a knock at the door.

Yes? Faruq shouts.

The door opens and a bodyguard and three girls walk in.

The bodyguard steps forward. The ladies wanted to talk with the prince.

Faruq greets them with warm regards. Coco, Candy, Camilla!

Coco speaks first. My prince, we heard Camilla has to leave tomorrow.

Oh, I’m sorry. Yes, Camilla is going back home, Faruq replies.

But Camilla loves it here! She just wants to stay with you, my prince, Coco pleads.

Prince Faruq answers back with a stern fatherly retort. I’m sorry, Coco, but rules are rules.

Well, I want her to take my place. I’ll go home, and she can have my room, Candy chimes in.

Camilla starts crying.

Candy? You want to go home, too? Faruq asks.

There’s fear in Candy’s eyes, but she answers, anyway. If it means Camilla can stay, then I will. Camilla really loves you.

Faruq puts an end to the conversation. All right, we can talk more about this later tonight at the party. I have guests now, okay?

Faruq gestures to the bodyguard, who shuffles the women out.

Don’t forget, my prince, Coco says over her shoulder.

The door closes and Faruq lets out a stressed sigh.

They don’t eat when you’re not around, Saleh says.

They eat, there’s food everywhere, Faruq protests.

Not when you’re away. The girls know if they gain too much weight, they’ll be sent home… like Camilla.

Camilla isn’t being sent home because she overeats. 

Then why is she being sent home?

She’s being sent home because she’s gained too much weight in the last week.

And she doesn’t eat?

Jordan smiles. Sounds like it’s something else. Do the ladies know you have to marry a Saudi woman?

I don’t have to marry a Saudi woman, Faruq says.

Our father wants you to marry a Saudi woman, Saleh says.

Is she pregnant? Jordan asks.

Faruq excretes an annoyed sigh. Doctor, you should revisit us some time.

2

Dr. Jordan Roberts

Milan, Italy

1998

  U pon their next meeting, Jordan is invited to Fashion Week in Milan. Jordan is not only excited to visit the prince, but also Saleh. They ’ ve been emailing up to this point and have expressed mutual interest in each other. Jordan makes it clear that she has to be back in Saudi to meet more people, so she can ’ t stay long. The prince agrees, and Jordan packs a bag.

Another Suburban picks her up. This time, the car takes her to an airstrip with a private jet. Jordan is overwhelmed at the prince’s wealth. Twenty girls in a hotel penthouse and a private plane at the Saudi Airport—and Jordan gets to be a part of it. Hopefully, it leads to business, and maybe one day she’ll be able to afford a private plane of her own.

As she hopes, Saleh is there to meet her at the plane. Instead of a handshake, this time, they hug. Also, this time Saleh wears more feminine clothing. She still wears pants, a dress shirt, and all, but this time they’re female pants and a female dress shirt, and her hair is more stylish, like a stylish mohawk.

Oh, is this what you wear for Fashion Week? Jordan asks.

Saleh smiles. This is one of my favorite times of the year. I absolutely love Milan and Fashion Week.

The two of them giggle and get on the plane. Upon entrance, Jordan is greeted by Prince Faruq, who is accompanied by four lovely ladies, none of whom were at the penthouse. Two of the prince's close friends look on, drinking champagne. On top of that, Jordan notices that the bodyguards are dressed differently, as well. Gone are the black Secret Service suits. Now the bodyguards wear grey dress slacks and Versace shirts. The prince and princess do Fashion Week properly.

Please, have a seat, Saleh says.

Jordan sits down. I assume this is more of a vacation than business?

Saleh smiles.

A trip for pleasure? Jordan asks.

Saleh brings two drinks over and sits next to her. This is a trip for pleasure. Drink up! She tips Jordan’s glass up, it spills onto Jordan’s chin.

Jordan is caught off-guard and jumps on Saleh. She fakes like she’s choking Saleh, and they laugh. Then they kiss. Everyone on the plane claps and cheers. Even the bodyguards.

Remember, Jordan, Faruq proclaims, What happens on the prince’s plane stays on the prince’s plane!

Everyone cheers again.

* * *

After the plane ride to Milan, Jordan dines at a lovely Italian restaurant with the prince, paid for by the prince. And after a few hours of seeing the town from a black Mercedes, she finds herself in bed with Saleh.

Growing up with the pressure of doing what your parents want you to do is enormous. Passing grades, getting the job they want you to get, going to the school they want you to go to. It is so stressful. Saleh pulls the covers close as they talk.

I know what you mean, but my parents were very lenient with me, Jordan replies. By the time puberty hit, they knew what I was.

Saleh looks up, as if to remember. One time, my father saw me dressed up in his clothes and said, in a bland voice, ‘Find what you care about, what you believe.’ I knew from then on that he cared for me and that he would accept me.

Jordan digs around in her past. I used to date a man, a nice man. He was nice to me, but he wasn’t a girl. I yearned for a woman. Eventually, I left him and found a girlfriend. That was nice.

Saleh asks, What happened to her?

She died… in childbirth, Jordan replies.

I'm so sorry, Saleh replies.

It’s okay, Jordan says. My child's mother was a scientist, and her work lives on.

Saleh thinks a second. Can you really solve our territory’s health problems in a few weeks?

Yes.

It just sounds like you have a magic wand and pixie dust.

I sent you the link for my website—

I saw the website. Very informative. What about Afghanistan and Africa?

Jordan is confused. Are we going to Afghanistan and Africa?

Saleh sits up in bed. Jordan, you’re in bed with a Saudi princess. I have many ways to do background checks and research on people.

And what did you find? 

I found that various groups are reaching out to you, and these groups are based in Afghanistan and Africa. Is this true?

Jordan sighs. I’ve been told what I can and can’t do all my life. Now that I have something that everyone wants, I’m told what I can and can’t do with it.

I’m not telling you what you can and can’t do.

What are you telling me?

I’m telling you that if you have any connection to any terrorist organizations, then our deal is off.

Okay.

And I’ll report you to Interpol.

Okay.

Okay.

They kiss.

* * *

After a couple of weeks, Jordan delivers. She cures the sick in the province. Heart disease and kidney disease are prominent issues, but there are the occasional polio or minor cancer cases, which are usually difficult to treat. Jordan dissolves them. The Crown rejoices and formally thanks Jordan for her efforts.

However, Saleh has an itch that she can’t scratch. It bothers her that Jordan doesn’t explain how she treats the diseases. There are many rumors that Jordan uses a series of injections and pills to nurse people, but that’s not nearly enough information. If Jordan is curing cancer, then Saleh wants to know how.

She takes it upon herself to go out into the city to get some answers. Even in disguise, the newly crowned Prince Faruq would have difficulty walking among the commoners. Therefore, Faruq, in private, asks Saleh to investigate and learn what she can about Jordan’s miracles. Saleh is reluctant at first. She doesn’t want to open the possibility of scrutiny to her newfound lover.

Nevertheless, she has a unique position as a guard and twin sister of the prince to go out and investigate. It’s practically her role. She’s her brother’s most trusted confidant. So that’s what she does.

Saleh puts on her commoner clothes and ventures out into the city. The first place she goes is the hospitals. There are two: one on the east side of the city and one in the south. During her drive to the first hospital, Saleh feels her hands itch. She was told as a young girl that when her hands itch, it means that either she was receiving something or losing something. The left-hand itching says she’s receiving, she remembers. The right-hand itching means something is slipping through her fingers.

This time, both of her hands itch.

It’s confusing. Saleh doesn’t know what she’ll find on this journey, but she knows it’ll be significant. She also knows in her bones that she's not paranoid. They’ve had many doctors out to diagnose the sick. It’s too coincidental that Jordan comes in and simply fixes everything in a few weeks. Saleh has to know what the secret is, and she is sure about one significant thing: Dr. Jordan Roberts is hiding something big.

The first visit is to King’s Hospital. The drive is quick, and Saleh is full of vigor upon entering the building. The lobby has some patients sitting, waiting for treatment.

Saleh hasn’t announced herself out of fear of losing important information. She goes to the main counter and introduces herself.

Hello, my name is Saleh, and I am on special assignment from the prince. May I speak to Dr. Abboud, please?

The nurse at the counter is caught off-guard. Uh, Dr. Abboud is in a meeting, I believe.

Saleh is like a soft jackhammer. Would it be possible to ring him? I need a quick word.

The counter nurse picks up the phone, and within a few minutes, Saleh is speaking with Dr. Abboud, head doctor of the hospital.

There are two cases that stick out in Dr. Roberts’ recent arrival. The first is a case involving polio. We’ve had this patient for two years, with no significant success in reducing their symptoms. Specifically, the patient’s leg was disproportionate to the rest of their body. Six weeks later, the patient comes through our doors, walking normally. I examine the patient, and the leg is fine. There is no trace of the virus. The patient’s nervous system is working normally, and there is no more headache, fever, fatigue, none of it.

Saleh is amazed. My God.

The doctor goes on. Yes, I said the same thing. The next case is diabetes. We had a patient for over five years, treating their diabetes, and again after eight weeks with Dr. Roberts, the patient returns, asking for a refund for her insulin. I talk to the patient and examine her, and there’s no more diabetes.

That is shocking! Saleh says.

I know!

What did the patient say they were given? Saleh asks.

Shots and pills, they said. That’s all. A large needle, a strict regimen of weekly pills, and these patients were done with their diseases, full stop.

Saleh shakes her head in disbelief. Doctor, what do you think Dr. Roberts is giving these patients?

Dr. Abboud shrugs. A miracle? Or maybe a magic wand?

Saleh giggles and thanks the doctor. She gets back into her car to visit Central Hospital to the south.

Upon arriving at Central Hospital, Saleh gets similar information. She walks in, talks to the head doctor, and hears stories of miracles and grand feats with terminal patients. Saleh decides that she has to visit Jordan’s lab in Riyadh. However, this now begs the question: Is it time to confront Jordan about her techniques? Or should Saleh keep visiting with discretion?

Her answer comes to her from her years as a soldier in the Royal Guard: Moral Courage is the most valuable and usually the most absent characteristic in men.

Saleh reminds herself that she is not a man.

To keep her plans secret, she emails Jordan and asks when she can visit the facilities. Jordan replies that a good time would be in two months. She will be around after traveling for business. Saleh figures she can follow Jordan on these trips without being seen and can see what exactly Jordan is up to. However, Saleh needs to see something of Jordan’s office or lab to get a better idea of what is being used to cure these patients. She feels terrible about sneaking around, but values the need for clarity over her personal feelings for Jordan.

However, before Saleh can get back to the palace residence, she receives a phone call.

Yes? Saleh answers.

Saleh? 

Yes?

It’s one of her guards from the palace. We need you to talk with Camilla.

Who? Saleh asks.

Camilla. She’s leaving on a plane tomorrow. She’s asking to speak with you.

Why?

She won’t say, but she’s distraught and wants to speak with you.

What is her phone number?

She won’t take any calls, the guard says.

Are you serious? Saleh is outraged.

Yes, mum, she wants to speak with you in person.

Where is she? Saleh barks.

After a detour to the Grand Hilton in her home city, Saleh rushes to the penthouse floor with her arms crossed. Angry and confused, she stomps off the elevator, looking for Camilla.

Camilla! she shouts.

Camilla walks out of the bathroom slowly, dressed and very sad.

Come here, Saleh says. She beckons Camilla to sit at the table in the middle of the room.

Camilla walks over to the table and sits down. There is an uncomfortable pause.

Saleh speaks first. How can I help you, Camilla?

Camilla stares at the floor. She sniffles a little.

Please speak up, Saleh adds.

Tears in her eyes, Camilla says, I don’t want to leave.

That is unfortunate, Saleh says coldly.

I could be a good wife, Camilla says.

You will be a magnificent wife for someone… other than the prince.

He loves me, you love me. What’s the problem? Camilla asks.

Saleh takes a moment to be as delicate as she can. We’re done with you, Camilla.

Tears run down Camilla’s face. That phrase cuts her like a knife.

Saleh goes on. That’s the best I can explain it. We had fun, and now it's over.

He’s not choosing me. He’s not choosing any of the girls in his harem. Or is this a test? Maybe this is something to see if he wants to choose the most faithful? The most loyal?

"No, Camilla. This is what ‘done’ means. You get to go home with all of