He wasn’t in a position to offer her a relationship. All his previous relationships had inevitably been time limited. He made that clear to his girlfriends from the start, even though he hadn’t always been completely honest it was his duty that prevented him from anything else.

  But in this situation even a time-limited affair wasn’t on the cards. In less than two months guests would be descending on his island, and among those guests was hopefully someone who would one day be his future wife. She might be a nameless, faceless person at the moment, but didn’t he owe it to her, to himself, to his family, to only think about his guests. Increasing tourism and getting external investment didn’t change anything for him in terms of the expectations people had of him.

  Unless he made an advantageous marriage, Adysara’s growth and prosperity would stagnate. Talented young people would continue to leave the island for better opportunities and slowly the population would decrease leading to further stagnation. He had a duty and he wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of it. But to be on the safe side, he wouldn’t go on any more visits with Priya.

  CHAPTER SIX

  IT HAD BEEN nine days since Priya had visited the final mural. Each one had been magnificent in its own right, but as a collection they were priceless. She could fully understand why Rohan believed Adysara could become a huge tourist destination with its glorious weather, golden beaches, crystal-clear warm waters. Its cultural heritage was the exquisite icing on top.

  She was desperate to scope the caves. Rohan had said they would make the murals pale into insignificance—which she did find hard to believe. She was hoping to go later that day, depending on how far she got with her actual work. Sometimes it was difficult to concentrate on the palace murals when she knew what was outside, but she had to do her best, not only to hopefully demonstrate to Mac she was capable of working on the regeneration project—perhaps even leading it, but for the simple satisfaction of a job well done.

  So far everything was progressing well, despite the disruptions being caused by the gala preparations, and her regular absences. Her team had already completed the restorations in the areas that were going to be used for the gala events and were now working on different areas, which, although still accessible by guests, weren’t being used directly for any events. Mac was hoping they would be ready to begin the restoration to the artwork in the royal family’s quarters. Since there weren’t any murals in the royal wing she, personally, wouldn’t be needed.

  If the regeneration project didn’t proceed, or she wasn’t selected for it, there was a chance she would be returning to England in a matter of months.

  She couldn’t bear thinking about it. Because she would be missing out on a major work opportunity, there was no other reason.

  She wondered whether Rohan...whether the prince would be accompanying her when they visited the caves. She’d enjoyed her time at the murals more when he was there, chatting with him and exchanging stories of their childhoods. He had seemed to be taking a personal interest in the work but hadn’t accompanied her to the last few murals. She knew he was a busy man, but that hadn’t stopped her disappointment.

  As her mind started to relive her time with Rohan, Priya stretched and stood up. She took a step back to survey the work the team had accomplished that day.

  She’d made some changes to the process they used, which took slightly longer but would make their effort more effective. So far it hadn’t caused a substantial delay in their progress. Now, at least, when they left the palace, she could be reassured the preservation work would last more than the twenty years possible with the previous process.

  She was packing away the tools and chemicals when a man, one of the palace workers came up to them.

  ‘Madam,’ he said, ‘can you come with me, please?’

  ‘Me?’ Priya pointed to herself.

  ‘Yes. Mr Agrawal has asked if he could speak to you if you’ve finished for the day?’

  ‘Of course.’ Priya turned to her colleagues. ‘I guess I’ll see you back at our quarters.’

  ‘Would you like me to wait for you?’ one of them asked with a worried expression.

  She smiled. What did he think was going to happen to her? ‘No, it’s okay. I don’t know how long I’m going to be and I’m sure you’re eager to get back and wash and eat. Can you let Mac know I’ve been called to see Mr Agrawal, please?’

  She followed the worker through long corridors, heading behind the large drawing rooms and lavish halls, now set up for the gala, careful to avoid disturbing anything. As they progressed, it was obvious how the decor was becoming less ostentatious as they moved towards the staff offices.

  Still more extravagant than anything she’d experienced in her normal life, but there was definitely a difference.

  She hoped the meeting with Mr Agrawal was to let her know when she would get a chance to see the caves. For a moment, her steps faltered. What if it wasn’t the reason?

  What if Mr Agrawal was unhappy with her changed process? She’d got Mac’s approval but Leo Blake would have run everything by Mr Agrawal first. Regardless of the fact her team’s project was going to have a more successful outcome because of her changes, she could have jeopardised any chance of remaining as team lead, and definitely any hope of taking on the role of project lead of the larger island work because she hadn’t liaised with the palace’s coordinator directly. It was such as foolish omission.

  Or what if Mr Agrawal had become annoyed she was absent so often on the scoping visits. She’d been brought to Adysara specifically to take over from Leo Blake, not spend her time outside the palace. Or what if Rohan...the prince...complained about her informality and lack of professionalism?

  She interlaced and unlaced her hands several times as she waited outside Mr Agrawal’s room waiting for a response to her knock. The man who’d accompanied her nodded and left.

  ‘Enter,’ she heard.

  The voice sounded familiar but it still startled her when she saw Rohan—no she had to start thinking of him as the crown prince again—standing by the desk. There was no one else in the room.

  ‘Yuvaraja-sahib, I was expecting to see Mr Agrawal.’

  He looked stern. ‘Didn’t I tell you to call me Rohan?’

  She grimaced. ‘I don’t feel right calling you by your first name in the palace, Yuvaraja.’ He pressed his lips together. ‘In case someone hears me or I forget and use your first name in front of others and they think I’m being over-familiar. I’m quite new as team lead, I don’t want to single myself out.’

  ‘Fine. But don’t call me yuvaraja or sahib, please. If you don’t want to call me Rohan you can call me Mr Varma. I would ask anyone in your team to call me the same if we spoke directly.’

  Priya gave a brief nod of acknowledgement, pleased he accepted her feelings above his own request—it wasn’t something she was used to.

  ‘How has your work on the murals gone?’ he asked.

  ‘Good.’ She gave him a brief rundown of her initial findings and thoughts. ‘I should be able to let you have my report within a couple of weeks.’

  ‘That’s quick,’ he remarked.

  Priya bit her lip and smiled self-consciously. ‘It’s such a thrilling project, I’m too enthusiastic to waste any time. I’ve been working on my report every evening.’

  He grinned at her. Her heart seemed to skip a beat at the warmth of his smile. Her reaction was wholly inappropriate for the situation and she had to ignore how attractive the man was. He was her client. Not to mention a prince.

  ‘I felt the same way when I first saw the caves. Come round here, please,’ he said, indicating his side of the table where schematics were laid out in front of him. ‘This shows where the caves are on Adysarina Island. There’s one main stretch of four caves around this range. Then a few other areas around the other islands. Eight in total I think are worth scoping. My favourite sculpture is in this cave.’ He indicated with his finger. ‘Cave six. It’s a little bit off the beaten path so if we did open it to the public we would have to create a new roadway. I think it will be worth it. We could start with it, but I think I’ll build up your anticipation before I take you there.’

  ‘Oh, will you be coming with me?’

  Her heart started to race again at the thought of getting to talk with him, hear his ideas and stories about the island, laugh with him, be close to him. She sighed. She was doing it again.

  It’s a crush. You don’t do relationships and definitely not with royalty. Be sensible. Don’t spoil the chance to work on this project because there happens to be an attractive man in the vicinity. Behave!

  ‘I asked Agrawal to pull out all the historical documents we have about the caves,’ he said, indicating some papers. ‘Will you be able to go out tomorrow, or do you need some time to organise things with your team?’

  Priya mentally ran through the work she had scheduled for the following day. With a small amount of rejigging she should be able to be away without having too great an impact on the work.

  She explained that to him, adding, ‘But I do need to confirm with Mac.’ She didn’t want to risk any possibility Mac would think she was shirking her job as team leader. Mac had told her, when she first discussed the prince’s project with him, he was happy for her to spend time scoping out the work—particularly if it meant their company would be considered for the job. But she always remembered she wasn’t first choice as the team leader, and when Leo Blake’s emergency was over she could be sent back to England just as easily as she was brought over.

  ‘Of course.’ His eyebrows lifted and a brief smile played on his mouth.

  Priya blushed. It probably was a safe assumption her boss wouldn’t refuse a request from the prince, but she wasn’t going to take anything for granted. It was too important.

  ‘How should I let you know?’ she asked. ‘Shall I send a message via one of the workers?’

  He furrowed his brow. ‘Come with me, back to my study.’

  Curious she followed him out of the room. She quickly realised there had to be back corridors for the staff since the path he took to his study was much more direct than the way she’d been brought that first evening, and more richly decorated. Another stark reminder, if she needed it, despite the things they had in common, their lives were light years apart.

  Once in Rohan’s quarters, he asked her to remain in his waiting room while he went into his study. Priya took the time to look around the room, something she’d been too nervous to do the last time she was there.

  The modern, bright furniture should have looked incongruous against the old architecture but it blended together seamlessly. Rohan’s study was designed in a similar style but his desk was old, reminding her of the Resolute desk.

  ‘Sorry about that,’ Rohan said, popping his head through the interconnecting door. ‘Come through. It will be a few minutes. Take a seat.’ He indicated the comfortable sofa arrangement at the side of his study, rather than the seat opposite his desk. ‘I’m sorry, I realised I must have kept you from your evening meal. I’ve asked for some food to be brought.’

  Priya was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness. ‘You didn’t have to do that. There’s always food around and they keep a fully stocked fridge for us so I could make myself something if I need to.’

  ‘There’s always plenty of food around,’ he said, waving his hand in a gesture of dismissal. ‘I’ve also asked for someone to bring you a new mobile phone, specifically to contact me directly. You’re going to have to complete some paperwork about non-disclosures and confidentially on threat of death which you’ll have to sign with a blood print.’

  His expression and tone were so sincere, Priya couldn’t do anything but stare at him until he finally broke into a huge grin, laughing at her alarm. She joined in, giggling at her own gullibility.

  ‘Anyway,’ Rohan said, leaning back in his armchair, ‘tell me what you thought of the last few murals. Not their condition. I can wait for the report. Tell me how they made you feel.’

  She hoped her conversation made sense because all she could focus on was the idea she would have direct access to Rohan, she could phone him or send him messages. It was a special link between them.

  And she was being ridiculous again, letting her attraction rule her common sense. She had to maintain distance and professionalism at all costs.

  ‘You don’t need to accompany me to the caves,’ she said, hesitantly. ‘I know you must have a lot to do. I’m sure the papers you’ve given me will be enough.’

  She held her breath, dreading his response, but not entirely sure which option she dreaded.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  ROHAN HAD BEEN stuck indoors for days finalising the sale of his business and divesting himself of all investments which could impact his role as maharajah in the future. Sooner than he planned, if his father kept to his stated intention of retiring, or abdicating, in five years.

  Not to mention, with the gala a little over a month away, his involvement in the preparations was increasing with more frequent fittings for his suits, going over the arrangements for the events with his mother and with the different coordinators for the various activities. On top of which he continued to have regular discussions with his family about the lineage and advantages of the female guests.

  He knew his duty, and he would perform it willingly and happily, but sometimes he just wished the gala could happen without all this disruption in the run-up to the event.

  And if that wasn’t enough to interrupt his plans, the art restorers were getting ready to work on his family’s quarters. One of his favourite paintings had been removed from the wall and taken down to the studios. It was a shame the royal rooms didn’t have any murals. He wouldn’t accidentally bump into Priya.

  He wondered how her scoping visits were going. He hadn’t accompanied her since they went to the first cave. A clear image came to mind of her face when she first saw the stone cuttings. Entranced—her full lips forming a perfect O.

  He’d been training his lamp on her instead of the wall and when she’d reached out to direct his hand to the spots she wanted to illuminate, his skin had felt hot under her fingers, his mouth going dry and his lungs forgetting how to breathe.

  All from a simple touch, which she’d done without thinking; she’d dropped her hand quickly enough when she’d realised.

  He sensed she was keeping her distance from him. She’d been politely professional on the visit, something he wouldn’t usually mind, but he’d missed her openness, her unguarded chattiness when they were together before.

  Since then he’d been so caught up in palace affairs he’d had no choice but to stay away. But it had been a week. He could do with a day away from the busyness of the palace and going to the caves always helped his mood. Priya being at the caves was simply a chance to kill two birds with one stone.

  But since they would be together, it would be pleasant to share a meal again. If they took a picnic they could stay at the site longer. Rohan called his staff to make the necessary arrangements.

  * * *

  The following day, Rohan paced around the mouth of the cave. At first he’d been inside with Priya while she was examining the stone-cut architecture, but she explained his presence could affect the humidity and she needed a baseline reading. He left her to it, trusting her when she said it helped with the preservation.

  It was a shame, because he’d enjoyed observing her as she worked, fully focussed on the task at hand. He suspected she wouldn’t notice if a herd of elephants trampled across the cave, his presence was completely ignored.

  He waited for her impatiently until she finally surfaced, a bright smile on her face.

  ‘I know I sound like a broken record, but what you have on this island is beyond anything I’ve seen before. It’s a privilege to be able to work on this,’ she said.

  Without waiting for his response, she went to sit on a rock and began to write some notations.

  He went to the car to collect the picnic lunch and water cooler. He’d sent the driver and his bodyguard to wait in the shade, lower down the road, but they both started to move towards him when he reached the car so he put his hand up to stop them.

  He could imagine Priya’s reaction if he couldn’t carry his own lunch and water. And part of him didn’t want the others around while they ate. He wanted to chat with Priya and try to close the distance between them.

  She was still writing when he came back, her tongue poking out the corner of her mouth. He wished it was his tongue tracing the contours of her full, shapely lips. Alarmed at the direction of his thoughts, he put down the picnic basket and hurried inside the cave.

  There he took a few deep breaths as he tried to concentrate on the stone carving of a tiger in front of him but all he could think about was the image of Priya, sitting on a rock like a modern-day goddess.

  Was that why he was spending this time with her? Because he was attracted to her, desired her? She was a beautiful woman. He’d noticed how stunning the first time he saw her but on an objective level, as he’d appreciate a fine painting. He hadn’t thought there was anything more to it.

  She was right when she’d told him he didn’t need to come with her. He tried telling himself he was concerned about the project, it was too important not to deal with it personally, but it wasn’t true. Certainly not to the extent he was letting other things build up on his desk and leaving the palace when gala arrangements were moving at an accelerated pace.

  If she was similarly attracted to him was irrelevant—he couldn’t do anything about it. His priority should be concentrating on the hundreds of single women who would soon be arriving on Adysara—any one of which would make a suitable wife and queen. The last thing he should be doing right now was going out of his way to spend time with Priya Sen. After this visit he would turn the project over to someone else or ask for government permission to let Mr Agrawal lead on it.

 

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