LITMIR.BIZ

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by all my parents’ old friends.”

      “You are a kid, my boy, at least compared to me, and that’s what Rahiri needs. Fresh energy to take us into the future. You will keep making films, won’t you? My wife and I do enjoy the Dragon Chaser series.”

      “Films, yes, I imagine so.” It was the ruling Rahiri part he didn’t intend on. “I’m surprised people here watch my films.”

      “We’re so proud of you, Arun, making a name for yourself and for our island in Hollywood.”

      AJ fought a smile. He certainly didn’t think of himself as representing Rahiri with his work. Maybe that is how people here saw it, though. He’d never given the matter much thought.

      The old man grasped his upper arm. “Do keep funding the schools, won’t you? They’re our future. So much young talent on this island. And our healthcare system is second to none. Your father put all that in place, and it will take a strong guiding hand to keep the rudder steady as you lead us into the future.” The gnarled fingers tightened around his biceps. “You’re strong, all right. Built like one of the ancient ones! Quite unlike your brother, Vanu.” The man’s expression grew clouded. “We’re all sorry for his loss, of course, but ready to move into the future under your capable leadership.”

      “I appreciate your faith in me.” AJ searched his brain for things to say that didn’t disappoint but didn’t actually commit him to anything. Or make his growing guilt any more agonizing.

      “Naturally I have faith in you. You’re your father’s son. He raised you to be a man and take responsibility for those in need.” He clapped his other hand on AJ’s bicep, holding him in a kind of armlock. “We need you, Arun, and we’re proud to have you as our new king.”

      AJ opened his mouth but no words came out. He glanced over the old man’s shoulder and caught sight of Lani on the other side of the room. Standing dead still amidst the swirling crowds, she looked pale and lost. “Please excuse me.”

      He hurried through the crowd, managing nods and waves to faces he hadn’t seen in years. Lani didn’t even see him approach. Her eyes were fixed high on a carved column, her expression vacant, as if trying to forget where she was.

      “Lani, you okay?”

      She jumped and blinked. “Of course.” Her wide eyes gave her a startled expression.

      “You look like a three-toed sloth who’s accidentally fallen out of her tree onto a multilane highway.”

      “Funny, since that exactly how I feel.” A tiny smile tugged at the edges of her lovely mouth—then disappeared.

      “Too many people wanting something from you? I know how that is.” What did Lani want? If he asked, he knew she’d give him the party line from his mom rather than a straight answer. She’d say she wanted to marry him, whether she did or not. And why would she? They’d barely met and weren’t at all suited to each other. He was a hard-partying film director and she was a quiet village girl—albeit a royal one. “You don’t look well.”

      “I’m fine.” The words flew from her lips and she lifted her shoulders, like she was trying to convince herself as well as him. “Just a little tired. I haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

      Probably still grieving for Vanu. Again he felt that unfamiliar prick of jealousy. Which was ridiculous. How could he begrudge his brother anything now that he was dead? This whole crazy situation was messing with his mind.

      “Maybe you should go somewhere and sit down.” He offered his arm, bracing himself against the powerful effect she had on him.

      She didn’t move. Her dark lashes lowered, then she looked up at him with those haunting golden eyes. “I’m fine, really. I’ll make more of an effort from now on. Your mom needs me to. And we’ll be stuck sitting down for hours once the speeches start.”

      “The speeches. That’s one part of Rahiian culture I really haven’t missed. Has anyone broken a new record for longest speech ever? “

      “I think it’s still at five hours.” She smiled. “At least it’s very relaxing for the listeners. And you know you’ll have to make a speech.”

      He grimaced. He would, too. What on earth would he say? Usually he was good at speaking off the cuff, but the stakes were a little higher here than at an investors’ meeting. “You’re lucky being a girl, so you’re off the hook. If I do become king I’m going to change that right away so all the ladies get to make speeches, too.”

      Lani’s eyes widened, but they sparkled with humor. “Your mom would love that. She’d go on all night.”

      “Wouldn’t she?” He laughed. They both knew he was joking about becoming king.

      Wasn’t he?

      Lani watched AJ melt back into the well-dressed throng amidst smiles and exclamations. He stood almost a full head above most people in the room, and moved like a king among them with his broad shoulders and easy, confident manner. Everyone in the region was happy to see him back. Pleased that the Rahiian succession would be a smooth and effortless affair following time-honored methods.

      People kept a respectful distance from her. As a widow in mourning, she was not expected to eat and dance and chatter along with the guests.

      But they all expected her to marry AJ. They just had no idea he didn’t want to.

      She wasn’t sure whether to feel relieved or alarmed. He seemed to have every intention of going back to L.A. He’d said nothing to suggest otherwise and he hadn’t asked her opinion, either. If he had, of course she’d have said she wanted to marry him. What else could she say?

      Her fingers had stung with anticipation just now when he reached out to give her his arm. All the tiny hairs on her arm had stood on end, craving his touch. Now she wondered if she’d done the wrong thing in refusing.

      The whole situation was so confusing and disturbing. She was expected to entice him to marry her—immediately—but she didn’t want to trap him into a lifetime deception she’d be forced to maintain.

      And she didn’t want to be married to a man—another man—who didn’t love her.

      “Sweetheart, come sit down next to me. They’re starting the speeches.” Priia glowed with good cheer, as she always did at her festive gatherings. She bloomed and shone with the energy of other people. Naturally gregarious and effortlessly charming, she was born to be a queen. Lani envied her tireless energy and outgoing personality.

      She led Lani to a cushioned chair at the high table. “Sit down.” She patted the cushions. “And have some coconut stars. You need to keep your strength up.”

      “Thanks, you’re too good to me.” Lani took one of the coconut treats, then wondered what to do with it. Her stomach, hidden beneath the thick sash of her gold-embroidered dress, certainly wasn’t in any condition to handle food.

      “Nonsense, dear. You’re the light of my old age.” She leaned in, conspiratorial, eyes shining. “And soon you’ll bring a new bright light to life among us.”

      Lani blanched and tried not to glance around. What if someone overheard and guessed what she meant?

      A dignified-looking elderly man wrapped in the distinctive clothing of a nearby island walked out into the center of the floor, where the speeches took place. At first Lani sat stiffly in her seat, wondering if her fate would be pronounced or speculated upon. Instead he launched into a semi-poetic history of the region, laden with myth and superstition, and she soon let her mind drift.

      Another speaker followed, then another, chanting as much as speaking, celebrating the community of the islands and the long-held peace that united them in this beautiful place. Lulled by the warm atmosphere, Lani relaxed into her cushions and even managed to nibble on her coconut star.

      She sat up abruptly when the master of ceremonies called AJ—or rather Arun Jahir—to the floor.

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